Things to do & see

Wild life viewing (see the Curio Bay section for more detail on Wildlife)

• In the summer Hector's dolphins/papakanua play in the surf (watch from your accommodation’s window)
• Yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho nest at the fossil forest, in the evening your are able to watch the Hoiho come ashore from viewing platforms (10min walk along beach)
• Fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water along the coastline.  New Zealand sea lions/Whakahao often make themselves at home on the beach or at the campground here at Curio Bay. 
• Note: strictly NO DOGS allowed as there are penguins nesting in the gardens!

Activities

• The fossil forest can be explored at low tide. There is a viewing platform and information panel overlooking the fossil forest.(10 min walk along beach) 
• Curio Bay  with its beautiful sandy beach is popular for swimming, surfing and body boarding. We rent out surf boards, body boards and wet suits to our guest.
• Cathedral Caves  is only accessible at low tide 40min drive from Curio bay plus 15min walk to cave entrance
• Waterfalls: there are a number of waterfalls to take in but the Mclean fall are one of the better ones to see 35nim drive from Curio Bay 
• Museum: local museum is in Waikawa, which is only a 5 min. drive away. Great place for history about the area
• There are many small short walks throughout the Catlins (bush /beach)
• Waipohatu: lovely native bush walk - 15. min. easy stroll or 3 hours circuit waterfall bush track
• For cycling there are a number of quite country roads to navigate around and explore.
• For Fishing + Diving Charters, Mammal Watching, Boat Hire, Harbour Cruises and Scenic Charters go to www.catlinsmarineencounters.co.nz
• For guided Wildlife + Scenic Tours go to www.curiobaytours.co.nz 
• For more info on the Catlins go to: www.catlins.org.nz  
• For great nature + wildlife fotos of New Zealand + our area go to: www.naturwelten.com    

Eating out

Niagara Falls Café/Restaurant – Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner
Waikawa (5 min. drive) phone +64 3 246 8577  - bookings advised as Cafe might be closed due to a function or off-season.

Blue Cod Blues – Take-aways bus for fish + chips etc.
Waikawa beside Museum, 5 min. drive  (summer only)

Tokanui Tavern + Bistro
Tokanui, 20 min. drive, phone + 64 3 2468 725

Stirling Tides Café/Restaurant – Breakfast + Lunch 
Fortrose, 25 min. drive, phone + 64 3 2469 888

Shops

Camp shop, 10 min. walk along the beach, phone +64 3 2468 897

Tokanui Dairy, in Tokanui, 20 min. drive, phone +64 3 2468 876

Tokanui Tavern/Pub/Liquor store, 20 min. drive, phone +64 3 2468 725