Kaka Pt
Catlins / Southland · 3hr session
Beach break · Reef
Beginner to intermediate
First stop down the coast at Kaka Point. Sets the tone for the wild Catlins drive.
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Three days down the wild Catlins coast. Empty beaches, big swell exposure, and one of NZ's most underrated surf coasts. Bring the 4/3, the boots, and the patience for a long weekend you'll remember.
3Days
4Stops
370kmDrive total
5.0hrDriving
S / SW / WBest swell
N / NWBest wind
Trip forecast best of each day, by stop
Day 1 is today. Forecast refreshes every 3 hours.
Start / finish
Day-by-day itinerary
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Papatowai
Catlins / Southland · 2hr session
Reef point · Beach break
Intermediate
Afternoon shift inland to Papatowai for a river-mouth session.
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Curio Bay
Catlins / Southland · 4hr session
Beach break
All levels · Surf school at campground
The headline Catlins surf at Curio Bay. Hectors dolphins are often in the lineup, give them space. The fossil forest is at the same beach.
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St Clair
Dunedin / Otago · 3hr session
Beach break · Right point
All levels
Sunday session at St Clair on the drive back to Dunedin. Urban-side surf to close the trip, hot saltwater pool nearby for a soak.
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Where to stay
- Kaka Point motels and Bookabach options
- Papatowai Holiday Park (council-run, very basic)
- Curio Bay Camping Ground (DOC, basic but right on the coast)
- Owaka motels (the small Catlins service town)
- Bookabach options along the Southern Scenic Route
Things to do nearby
- Cathedral Caves walk (low tide only)
- Nugget Point lighthouse + yellow-eyed penguin viewing
- Curio Bay fossil forest (170 million years old)
- Purakaunui Falls walk
Bring this trip to life
Aotearoa Surf can help with lessons, board hire and accommodation across most North Island routes. Get in touch for a guided run of any of these trips.
Plan a guided trip