New Zealand is famous for its natural wonders. An area of the country that is a popular destination for tourists is The Catlins, located in the southeastern corner of South Island. The list will be endless if we note down all the attractions in this wooded and wild coastal area—such as dense forests, rock formations, campsites, and much, much more. If you are planning to visit Catlins Forest Park, you shouldn’t miss Kaka Point, Purakaunui Falls (a cascading three-tiered waterfall), Niagara Falls (yes, there is one here too), and many other waterfalls. Also check out Curio Bay (famous for a 180-million-year-old petrified forest), Nugget Point (where you can find Hooker’s sea lions, sea elephants, fur seals, and Roaring Bay’s yellow-eyed penguins), Slope Point, Papatowai Beach, Cathedral Caves, and Florence Hill Lookout. And if you need accommodation, check out some of the top Bookabach holiday homes near Catlins Forest Park.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2023.
1. A cozy beachfront accommodation close to yellow-eyed penguins (from USD 128)
This property is located close to Curio and Porpoise Bays, and it is where you should stay to be close to wildlife and scenic beauty. The place is near a Jurassic petrified forest, where you can check out yellow-eyed penguins and their nesting grounds and chicks. Hector’s dolphins can be spotted from October to March too. Waikawa Museum is also nearby. Staying at this bach means you can go swimming, kayaking, surfing, and bushwalking—or just relax and enjoy the great views of Southern Ocean. Three hours to the north is Dunedin, where University of Otago is located. Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is around three hours away as well. The cottage has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a washing machine, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
gorgeous view and plenty of roomcosy fire, super comfy beds, lots of great couches covered with sheepskins and well equipped kitchen with new fridgeone night was definitely not long enough to appreciate it allour own track to the beach and incredible viewskitchen tidy and functionalCleanliness:
the view is breath taking and pictures don't do it justicegreat location amongst grand views, wildlife and fresh airthere were extremely unhygienic dish washing utensils and we had to wash dishes before we used themas the whether was very cold when we arrived, we really appreciated the fireplace which warmed the whole houseeverything needed was supplied and lots of firewood to keep it warmHost:
we would have liked more welcoming household and local informationthe next day it was extremely rainy with no breaks in sight so we ended up packing up and moving on earlymelissa was a great help and the house was tidy, clean and cozybeautiful location, very well appointed beach house, very helpful hostess:) and also remember to bring sandfly repellent, especially for the backyard and beach (not a problem in the house)!! would happily stay again and definitely for longer than one night!Read more reviewsLocation:
beautiful wee bach in a beautiful location!location and view world classthe outlook was fantastic and location to the information centre greatwe had a really nice time here, curio bay is a fantastic locationthe petrified forest in curio bay is really close by too
2. A lovely kiwi bach in the middle of The Catlins (from USD 111)
Located only 25 minutes of driving away from the Purakaunui surf beach and close to all the wonderful attractions of The Catlins, Catlins Lake Sanctuary is a comfortable accommodation with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a TV, and a fireplace with kindling and wood. The place has a garden and many trees where you can find bellbirds and tuis. You will get amazing views over the estuary as well, where you can spot flounders and soles. Make sure you visit Nugget Point Lighthouse, local waterfalls, and Blowhole at Jack’s Bay nearby.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The beds were so comfortable & lovely to light the log burner in the eveningThe beds were so comfortable & lovely to light the log burner in the eveningThe view over the estuary is beautiful and everything was provided to make our stay comfortableThe surrounding gardens and trees added to the relaxing feel and the native birdlife was a bonusGreat place sitting on a hill a perfect vantage point to watch the changing lightHost:
Warm and toasty very comfortableDefinitely your quirky quintessential kiwi bachBeautiful view surrounded by native birds Lovely and warm with fire going beds very comfyNoelene and Bills home is exactly that a home away from homeWe loved having the fireplace and the flexibility of lots bedsRead more reviewsLocation:
We loved the location for exploring the CatlinsThis bach has a fantastic location sunrise and sunset viewsGorgeous view and perfect location in The Catlins Very handy to Owaka the main service town and so many of the attractions of the areaEasy access to Owaka for supplies or food Lovely clean bedlinen and towelsThere's a good amount of outdoors lawn too but then again being perfectly in the middle of the Catlins we went exploring 25 min drive to Purakanui surf beach
3. A wonderful beach house for a big family (from USD 154)
This beach house is for those on vacation with a big family. With queen beds, bunk beds, and sofas, the large property can accommodate 10 people, and it is warm and very cozy. There is a bathroom, AC, fireplace, heater, washer and dryer, fully furnished kitchen, and tennis courts behind the house. Located in Pounawea, this bach is across the road from the estuary, and there is a lovely playground nearby for your kids. You can go exploring forests or biking, or you can visit Owaka, which is only a few minutes away by car. Indeed this is a good place to stay if you are looking to explore The Catlins.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
well equipped, comfy bedswith everything provided it was an easy place to stay and relaxcomfy house with everything we neededwe watched sea lions swimming in the water in front of the bachlots of room for the extended family and lots of activities for the kidsCleanliness:
nice location in very good place, front of sea, beds are perfect, very clean, wahsmachine, dryer, dishesmachine, very nice garden, and if you are lucky you will see sea lions with binoclar !Host:
absolutely awesome character housewarm housewe are already planning our next tripfamily-friendly bach in an awesome locationloved being able to light the fire for extra warmth and ambienceRead more reviewsLocation:
central to lots of attractionslots of dvds and games aboutlots of short walks aroundloved the locationgreat location with amazing views
4. A splendid four-bedroom house on a hill (from USD 123)
Catlins Aurora is located on a hill overlooking Owaka, which is only five minutes away by car. It has its own dairy paddocks and a duck pond. The four-bedroom house has three bathrooms, BBQ and hot tub outside, washing machine, dryer, open-plan kitchen and dining area, and other facilities to make your stay a cozy one. You can go fishing on Owaka River or explore the sea on a kayak. You can also visit Owaka to find a supermarket, medical center and pharmacy, and popular hangouts such as Lumberjack Bar and Café, Catlins Cafe, and Catlins Inn. In addition, all the popular spots of The Catlins are easy to get to from this accommodation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the property was very well equipped with everything we could possibly needCleanliness:
very clean and warmRead more reviewsHost:
great communication with the owners, smita was extremely helpful in the lead up, during and after the staythe hot tub was amazing
5. A house nestled in the bush in Pounawea (from USD 74)
Located in the bush in Pounawea, this holiday home has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a washing machine, a fireplace, and a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, oven, and a BBQ. The place is just a short walk away from the water’s edge and a playground. Nearby, there is a golf course and horse trekking. You can go fishing in Owaka River too. Owaka is only five minutes away, and many attractions of The Catlins can be reached by car from this accommodation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Its your basic kiwi bach Comfortable and has everything you needThe home has everything you need Close to the water front & surrounded be native plants & birds 4 adults & 6 childrenfree relaxing & enjoyable xmas spent in your bachwere a comfortable fit with 2 fold out sofas & plenty of games/puzzles to enjoy when the sun went downNice property in a great area house is large with a big kitchen with everything you could needCleanliness:
Property was as described very adequate for our stayThe house was clean and spacious with everything we needed - including a great selection of gamesHost:
the only negative was the temperamental stove ringsClean and tidy with good fixtures/fittings Would not hesitate to book againwalks kayaking and swimming spotsWe are familiar from our growing up years with 1950s - 1980s homessimple layout sizeable space againstRead more reviewsLocation:
Loved this house and it's locationIt is very conveniently located close to some delightful walks and scenery and a short drive from Owaka for groceries dining and a visit to a very interesting museumso we loved the bach nature of this house:An awesome house in an awesome locationSurat Bay and Cannibal Bay are only a few minutes drive
6. A wonderful rural property for the entire family (from USD 92)
This accommodation boasts three bedrooms and a bathroom and is big enough to sleep eight. Located close to many wedding venues, the house also has a kitchen, flat-screen TV, great mobile phone coverage, heat pump, wood burner, and a garage games room. The town of Owaka, where you can find a Four Square supermarket, pub, cafe, and restaurant, is only a short drive away. Jack’s Bay and Blowhole Walk are located 10 minutes away. Drive for 30 minutes to get to Nugget Point Lighthouse or Papatowai. If you keep going south, you can explore Cathedral Caves and McLean Falls, then eat at The Whistling Frog.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Another couple of stools/chairs tucked away to enable 6 of us to eat around the table together asThere is a lovely view and plenty of space outsideMany thanks for a great stay in your well equipped bach Stayed super cozy in both cold & warm tempsThe house had everything we needed and our teenage kids loved the pool table Very comfortable beds lots of towels a well appointed kitchen and cosy fire and heat pumpThis was such a comfortable place to stay Lovely cosy beds clean bathroom and kitchenCleanliness:
Gorgeous location house very clean and well equippedHost:
Host was delightful and super helpfulLovely Bach with awesome viewsBeautiful views warm and cosy even on rainy daysAn honest summary of a great property that checked out for our requirementsGreat location close to any activities on the Catlins and with a great view and easy access Extremely well equipped with a comprehensive kitchenRead more reviewsLocation:
There is a playground 5 minutes away and several near by beachesVery good location just out of Owaka; comfortable and cosy cottage with great views out to the sea and estuaryPurakainui Falls is an excellent walk for little legs with lots to see along the way Highly recommendWonderful views and quiet locationthe house was suitable safe and warm
7. A spectacular cottage in the village of Papatowai (from USD 162)
Although it doesn’t look that special from the outside, Surfinn Eco Cottage is quite stunning to live in. This beautiful accommodation features all the things you will need to make your stay memorable. There are two bedrooms, AC, heating, internet, parking, and kitchen with a fridge, microwave, oven, and toaster. The place is in the coastal village of Papatowai, close to the attractions of The Catlins. You can go surfing and snorkeling to find paua and crayfish, or you can look for yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, gannets, and kakarikis. There are wonderful rainforests and waterfalls nearby, and Tahakopa River is also conveniently close.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely cosy housethe town of papatowai was very quiet and the beach that the bach rests above was empty alsothe bed in bedroom 2 downstairs (where our adult daughter slept) was a fold out bed of an old style that was extremely uncomfortablethis is a very quiet place, away from any hubbub with all the amenities you might needthe tea towels were of the type that did not actually dry dishes, and there was no dish rack to drip-dry the dishesCleanliness:
very clean , warm and tidyRead more reviewsHost:
we stayed during winter, so being warm is all important, which this place was
Get ready to explore The Catlins
So there you have it—all the best places you can stay in if you are planning to explore The Catlins. These houses can be your base camp when you go see the wonderful attractions nearby, before relaxing in your warm, comfortable accommodation. Have a wonderful holiday!
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