35 Dreamy Detours That Belong On Your Bucket List

By

Lisette Marie

March 19, 2026

34. The Catlins, New Zealand: Where Forest Meets Wild Southern Ocean

Beautiful rocky Nugget Point of NZ Catlins Coast. Photo Credit: Envato @pilens

Forget Queenstown's buzz; find raw coastal beauty on the South Island's southeastern edge. The Catlins region is a windswept expanse of podocarp rainforest tumbling down to meet rugged cliffs, deserted beaches, and the powerful Pacific. Discover hidden waterfalls like Purakaunui Falls, watch sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins at Nugget Point, explore the petrified forest at Curio Bay, and drive scenic routes through farmland and forest. It’s a quieter, wilder slice of New Zealand, perfect for those seeking dramatic coastal scenery without the crowds.

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