paw

I am looking to do the Dunedin to Te Anau via Southern Scenic Route (Catlins) in two full days in May. Taking in short major walks and sights in the Catlins, including Kaka Point, Nugget Bay, Curio Bay, I would like to know where I should be looking for accomodation, given that accomodation in the Catlins are not plentiful. Should I be looking at Fortrose, Waikawa, Papatowai or Owaka? Also, how much time should I cater for the route between Invercargill and Te Anau if I were to breeze through using Southern Scenic Route or using SH via Lumsden.

Thanks

Melnq8

I've not stayed in the Catlins, but have driven through, and I got the impression accommodation pickins' are slim. This site lists several options in the area though, so you might want to take a look:

http://www.tourism.net.nz/region/sou...accommodation/

No doubt someone else will chime in with more specific answers.

vbca

Te Anau to Invercargill takes 2 hours via Lumsden, and about 2-1/2 hours via the Southern Scenic Route. There is really not much to choose between these routes, both go through mostly farmng country, with a bit of bush and coastal scenery on the SSR.

From Invercargill to Balclutha via the Catlins Coast would take about 4 hours, but longer if you stop, which you probably would want to do.

There are a few motels along the way, and some B&B and Home Stays. I have stayed at Kaka Point motel, and Nugget View motel. Both are run by the same operators, and are excellent. There is a motel at Papatowai, and also some home stays, but I've never stayed there.

I think in May you will have no problem getting accommodation, even if you just turn up. May, June, July & August are the low season, (and also winter, so dress warm)

mlgb

Owaka, Papatowai, are probably the best as they are more central. Try the bnb.co.nz website. Also the local info centers have flyers from local residents, which is how I found the one I used a number of years ago, which I think is no longer in business or I would recommend it to you.


I think the Southern Scenic route is quite a bit nicer than the inland route, although there is not much reason to stop.

paw

I agree too. It is quite a tough task trying to coordinate the walks and travelling with the tide times as well and we do not have a lot of time for Catlins so I suppose we have to make a couple of decisions on the place to stay over at Catlins and the route to take. I hope I will enjoy myself at the Catlins area.

Stevan

We went in winter and it was so cold I had to wear my fathers boots. The ground was frozen.I would like to have stayed on the coast at Kaka Point which has a cafe and is beautiful.
We stayed at a downhome place . I think it was called Kepplestone by the sea. What was great was the sea lions were just down the end of the road. They were AMAZING. And the food was great at the B&B.
There is a world class art gallery in Gore which is en route.