Curio Bay Cliffs — Attraction in Southland

Catlins is generally very beautiful. But if you are after spotting the rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins (Hoiho), this is your best bet. They come back to the shore towards late evening after a day of food-gathering at the sea. And this time is the best bet to spot them. There is a Upper Viewing deck just a short walk from the Car Park.

The sea is very rough here. So please do not be adventurous.

This is also the place to watch a pre-historic 180 million year old Jurassic fossil forest up-close. This fossilized forest gets exposed at low tide. And you can walk into it and see and touch and feel the petrified tree trunks yourself.

Walking options from the car park: Walk from car park to Petrified Forest – 5 minutes. Living Forest Walkway - 15 minutes return.

Curio Bay is 7 km from Waikawa on the “Southern Scenic Route".

Porpoise Bay is close and a place to unwind by calm seas unlike the very rough Curio Bay.

If you are very lucky you may also spot Hector's Dolphins...

Dolphin alert! The Hector dolphins were here cruising in the bay, early April. You can usually see them in the morning.

Visitors to Curio Bay during the summer and autumn can often see Hector's dolphins surfing in the waves. Along with yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions are also known to visit at Curio Bay.

Many geologists have evidence that Earth is ancient but cannot give an actual date.

Sir Ernest Rutherford, New Zealand's only Nobel prize winner, in 1905 suggests that using radioactive elements with long half-lives, such as uranium, you could determine and work out the ages of rocks and hence the age of the Earth.

Curio Bay is also of international significance for its Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The tree fossils you see here are similar to Kauri and Matai trees, are estimated to be 170 million years old. The petrified forest has remnants of the tree stumps, covered in an...

Curio Bay Cliffs is a stunning destination that offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty and tranquillity. On one side, there's a lovely beach perfect for a relaxing stroll or a dip in the refreshing waters. On the other, you’ll find fascinating rock formations that are a delight to explore for those who love a bit of adventure.

The area is thoughtfully equipped with facilities that allow you to sit back, soak in the spectacular views, and enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking it all in. For a treat, there are charming cafes nearby to satisfy your cravings.

One of the highlights is spotting dolphins gliding gracefully through the waves on a nice day—it’s an experience that’s simply magical. Curio Bay Cliffs is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature and unwind by...