Southern Scenic Route

An attractive alternative to the inland route to Balclutha and Dunedin on Highway 1 is the Southern Scenic Route coast road running through Catlins Forest Park (Catlins). Via Fortrose, Waipapa Point (lighthouse) and Otara you reach the delightful Curio Bay, whose main attraction is a fossilized kauri forest and frequent sightings of Hector's dolphins in the bay. A short distance further on is the magical Waikawa Bay. Continuing to Balclutha, do not miss detours to Cathedral Caves, Purakaunui Falls, Jack's Blowhole or Nugget Point.