Cathedral Caves are a highlight for visitors to The Catlins. Located in cliffs at the northern end of pristine Waipati Beach, they have attracted international interest for their length - the two sea-formed passages together measure just 200 metres - and their impressive height, up to 30 meters.

Popular for decades, this outstanding natural feature is 15km south of the village of Papatowai and 2km off the highway. From the car park, a one-kilometer walking track descends through lush coastal forest to the beach. Visitors cross Maori freehold land, which is managed by a trust.

Kawau Island is in the Hauraki Gulf, close to the north-eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. At its closest point it lies 1.4 km off the coast of the North Auckland Peninsula, just south of Tawharanui Peninsula, and about 8 km by sea journey from Sandspit Wharf, and shelters Kawau Bay to the north-east of Warkworth. It is 40 km north of Auckland. Mansion House in the Kawau Island Historic Reserve is an important historic tourist attraction. 

There are many native birds on the Island and as you wander around you will hear and see Tui, Fantail, Kereru, Kingfisher, Silver-eye, Grey warblers, the cheeky flightless Weka and many different sea birds. The Kawau shag nest in mighty Pohutukawa in the bays and little blue penguins are occasionally spotted around the shoreline. You may also see and hear bright-coloured Rosella and Kookaburras, native to Australia but settled on the Island. As dusk approaches the sound of Morepork can be heard in the bush and if you are lucky, you may even hear or see a Kiwi, as sightings are becoming more frequent as the population grows on the Island.

You usually arrive into Mansion Bay, from there you can walk over to the oldcopper mine and  smelting house. A manganese mine was established on the island in the 1840s; shortly after, copper was discovered by accident. Fascinating ruins of the underground seashore copper mine, a pumping engine house and a small smelter remain today. See the copper mine from the lookout at Lady’s Bay or the more active can relive history by following the Miners Track from the Mansion House through the bush and along the foreshore to the copper mine itself (fun for the kids).

Once a large private farm, the Tawharanui Regional Park covers the end of a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean just north of Kawau Island. The long, sandy beach on the northern side is considered to be one of the best swimming and surfing venues in the Auckland region. There are grassed areas above the beach furnished with shady pohutukawa trees - a picnic paradise.

With stunning rock pools and caves to explore, this is really a family activity that no one will soon forget. 

Only 15 minutes north of Albany and 30 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, this growing beach-side town continues to create new experiences for relaxation and adventure – you can eat, shop and play – all in one beautiful location.

Quickly becoming known as the most vibrant ‘hospitality precinct’ in the area, you can eat at a different place every day for a month and never visit the same place twice, with cuisine options from across the globe, to suit all tastes.

When there is even a hint of wind, sails of both kite and wind surfers line the waters edge of the pristine 3km long beach.  Summer brings families to enjoy boogie boarding, beach volleyball, cycle the 7km long Te Area Tahuna track, kayak the estuary, walk through Eaves Bush Scenic Reserve, meander through the Estuary Arts Centre, enjoy some boutique shopping or enjoy the competition standard skate park.

The surprise jewel is the spectacular arthouse cinema complex, featuring three dramatic theatres: the Paradiso, with a ceiling of 10,000 paper roses; the Roxy, draped in romantic fabrics from ceiling to floor; and the Tivoli, with a stunning centrepiece of an 800kg chandelier.

Downstairs, the village square hosts an intriguing selection of independent specialty shops. You won’t find chain stores in Matakana Village; our strores are passionate about their carefully curated collections of art, homewares, fashion, jewellery and gifts. With food stores, beauty therapy, a chemist and eateries-a-plenty, Matakana Village has everything you need for your perfect weekend escape.

There is also a farmers market every Saturday! From award-winning coffee, to mouth-watering brunch dishes, there’s plenty to sample and savour. Relax by the riverside to live local music, while the kids explore the rustic treehouse and natural playground.

We’re proud to say the Matakana Market is zero waste – so bring your baskets or bags and stock up on fresh produce, flowers, breads, deli treats and sweets.

Perfect for a gourmet picnic, a special celebration or a weekend at the bach with friends.

Omaha Beach, New Zealand, is located just an hour’s drive north of Auckland and 15 minutes east of Warkworth. Omaha Beach is on the edge of ‘Matakana Wine Country’ and 15 vineyards can be reached within 15 minutes drive. The attractions of Goat Island marine reserve, Pakiri beach and the Tawharanui Regional Park are at our doorstep.

A beautiful white sandy beach, clean air, crystal clear waters and uninterrupted gulf and island views greet the intrepid wanderer. Surfers and windsurfers appreciate Omaha Beach which is carefully monitored by lifeguards. Omaha Beach is a great location for water-skiers, the recreational fisher or diver with good boat-launching facilities and a protected all-tides harbour that provides safe swimming for children.  A championship 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, bowling greens, kids’ playgrounds, reserves and walking tracks complete the family activities that round out this idyllic coastal playground.

Only minutes away from Omaha Beach there are cafes, restaurants, galleries, vineyards, farmers’ markets and the charming town of Matakana.

While Omaha Beach started as a beach resort, many families now call Omaha Beach their permanent home. Residents and weekenders alike enjoy the collective sense of our community in a relaxed and stylish manner. Omaha Beach benefits from its own microclimate quite different from that of Auckland.

Also known as Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, Goat Island reserve boasts clear water, spectacular views and amazing snorkelling experiences. 

The beast way to experience Goat Island is to get into the water to see and swim with the huge variety of fish living around this area. You can either snorkel and explore the area close to the shore or if you’re an experienced diver, you can also visit deeper areas further out. 

Snorkel gear hire and glass bottom boat tours are available, so you don't have to come prepared, just bring your togs, towel and a bite to eat and drink. Don't forget your sunblock!

The Mahurangi Cement Works (near Warkworth) saw New Zealand’s first manufacturing of Portland cement in the 1880s.

Today the whole complex makes a picturesque ruin next to the lake formed by the flooded quarry alongside. As the remains of the first Portland cement works in the southern hemisphere, the ruin is of undoubted historical significance and in terms of industrial archaeology being a testament to the pioneering efforts of Nathaniel Wilson in this field.

There have been many reports of mysterious shadow apparitions moving amongst the stones. Odd lights, screams and the sound of a something like a generator coming from deep within the crumbling ruins.

This hidden gem is a great place to set up for a picnic or do some fishing. With a historical house set back from the beach, and lined with 100 year old trees, makes this the perfect spot for a family afternoon. At low tide, you can walk over to and around casnell island. Climb to the top for spectacular views, or walk around the base and go crab hunting under all the rocks!

In the surrounding areas, there are mussel and oyster farms which provides New Zealand wide famous seafood. The drive down boasts cute little communities, as well as aesthetically pleasing, architecturally designed houses.

Framed by native forest and cascading 20 meters over 3 tiers, the Purakaunui Falls are among the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. Enjoy the soundtrack of native birds and rushing water. 

Located just 17kms south of Owaka is the Purakaunui Falls Scenic Reserve. The Purakaunui Falls are a short walk from a car park area through impressive podocarp and beech forest.

The track is suitable for wheelchair access to the top viewing platform. It is then a fairly steep climb downwards to the lower platform which gives an amazing view of these picturesque falls. This makes for stunning photographic opportunities. You will find that not only are the Purakaunui Falls in most books about The Catlins, but they have also featured on a New Zealand postage stamp and many calendars.

Walk from the car park to falls – 20 minutes return.

Listen to the native birds as you walk through beautiful Southland bush to a spectacular 22-meter cascade waterfall surrounded on both sides by dark-green mossy rocks. 
A must-see waterfall in New Zealand!

To get there turn off the Chaslands Highway onto Rewcastle Road 11.6 km south of Papatowai. It's a further 3 km from the car park. The walk from this point is mostly easy-going along a well-maintained track through the native forest. There are a few steep steps to climb and some parts are wet underfoot but this is a walk the whole family can do. The striking finale is worth the effort!

Car park to falls – 20 minutes one way.

Scenic dunes, rugged coastline, sea mammals, and a historic lighthouse are to be found in this far southwest corner of The Catlins. A great spot for a walk or picnic, nature watching, or to soak up some history!

Waipapa Point has located approximately 10 km from Fortrose. From a car park area, it is a short walk to the lighthouse and the cemetery of many of the victims of a shipping disaster when the passenger steamer Tararua foundered off Waipapa Point on 29 April 1881. In response to this tragedy, when all but 20 of the 151 people aboard perished, a lighthouse was built becoming operational in 1884. It was automated in 1974 and remains active to this day although there is no public access now to enter the building.

At the base of the lighthouse sea lions and fur seals can often be seen. The sea lions sometimes put on a show fighting among themselves. Take care to not get in the way!

Car park to the lighthouse – 10 minutes one way.

A vibrant beachside destination with a city rhythm only 10 mins from Auckland’s CBD, Takapuna encompasses the best of everything – a relaxed beach atmosphere, designer shopping, a thriving hospitality scene with a huge variety of cafés, restaurants and bars with simply stunning views out across a white sand beach to the Hauraki Gulf and iconic Rangitoto Island.

Walk the historic ‘lava’ trail along the beach foreshore, paddle board or kayak at the beach or choose to relax by Lake Pupuke, Auckland’s only fresh water lake. Stroll the Sunday markets, take in a live show, enjoy the hospitality and stay close by. Takapuna has it all, so come along and join us, you will be most welcome.