The Catlins, Territory in Clutha District, New Zealand.
The Catlins span a large area of the southeastern South Island, combining dense rainforests, high sea cliffs, and long sandy beaches into one region. Several rivers flow through the landscape to the ocean, creating small bays and river mouths along the coast.
European whalers arrived in the mid-19th century and established stations that transformed the local economy. By the 1860s, logging became the main industry and shaped the region for decades.
The region has been home to Māori communities who gathered food and materials from the rivers and coasts for generations. Visitors can still sense this deep connection to the land in certain areas.
You will need your own transportation to explore this area, as public transit is very limited. Small towns like Owaka and Papatowai offer places to stay and serve as good bases for day trips.
Cathedral Caves are only accessible at low tide and were carved into the cliffs by ocean waves over time. These caves offer a striking view of nature's power and extend deep into the rock formations.
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