As with most of my routes, this one starts with a full tank of fuel as it heads towards the Catlins. Slip into an enchanted world of leafy hill country, where land rises sharply from the coast to the inland ranges, and where rivers and waterfalls abound.
The Catlins (aka. Catlins Coast) is a remote and untouched region in the far south of South Island. The region starts about an hour’s drive south of Dunedin between Balclutha and Invercargill / Bluff. In the Catlins, the main focus is on the very impressive nature. The climate is changeable, the waves strong and the coast rugged. If you want to witness the fascinating wildlife of New Zealand, then the Catlins is the right place to be. Here, the local seals and sea lions roll in the sand and at sunset the penguins waddle back to their nests.
The Catlins are on the Southern Scenic Route – this long stretch of road that runs along the southern coast of New Zealand from Dunedin to Queenstown, is home to some of the most scenic highlights in the country.

There are many great attractions along this route and it might be a case of choosing the ones you want to visit or leaving early to squeeze them all in.
The first is Lake Waihola. This is New Zealand's most inland tidal lake. It is freshwater and is over 20 kms from the coast at Taieri Mouth, with an average depth of less than a metre. Waihola meaning 'spreading waters' in Maori is famous for its black swans and reflections on a calm day. A dawn visit will only make it more magical and more chance of it being still.
Turn right before crossing Balclutha Bridge for a photo. The Balclutha Bridge is one of the best known road bridges in South Island. The bridge is often simply known as "The Clutha Bridge", despite the fact that there are numerous bridges across the country's second longest river. Built between 1933 and 1935, this bowstring bridge was designed by W. L. Newnham to be earthquake and flood resistant, thereby safeguarding it against the two most common natural disasters to occur in southern New Zealand. Stop for a coffee on the other side as the bridge marks the start of the Catlins and there's plenty to see.
Nugget Point.
A visit to the Catlins wouldn't be complete without seeing the viewpoint and lighthouse at Nugget Point.
The iconic Nugget Point (or 'The Nuggets' as referred to by the locals) is located near Kaka Point. There is a car park area from where you commence your walk to the Nugget Point Lighthouse. Wave-eroded rocks, which are likened to the shape of gold nuggets, can be seen from the viewing platform at the end of the path. The lighthouse was built in 1869-70, is 9.5 metres high and situated 76 metres above sea level.
Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks at sea level to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse, or the many seabirds that make The Nuggets their home. During the months of December – February elephant seals also make The Nuggets their stopover point.
Easy, slightly uphill walk from car park to the lighthouse – 20 minutes return.
I've suggested another coffee break in Owaka, about 20 minutes on from the Nuggets.

Purakaunui Falls.
The next attraction is Purakaunui Falls. You need to turn off the Scenic Highway for 4 kms then from the car park it’s a mere 5-10min walk through the forest to the Purakaunui Falls. These cascading waterfalls are very picturesque, set in the middle of a forest and are supposed to be the most photographed waterfalls in the Catlins.

Cathedral Caves.
A short 2 km departure from the Scenic Highway will take you to the car park to visit Cathedral Caves. These caves have have attracted international interest for their length - the two sea-formed passages together measure 200 m & their impressive height is 30 m. A 1 km walking track descends through lush coastal forest to the beach. There is a small charge for the use of the car park & access to the bush track, beach & caves, about 1 hour return. The Cathedral Caves were so named by Dr T.M. Hocken in 1896 because of their resemblance to European cathedrals. Try the acoustics with a simple whistle or even a song! Dr Hocken and his friends did and termed them reverberating.
It is recommended to plan your visit to the caves. They can only be accessed approximately 1 hour each side of low tide subject to safe sea conditions.

McLean Falls.
Again, accessed by departing the Scenic Highway, this time to the right. 3 km to the car park and 20 minute walk to the falls.
Listen to the native birds as you walk through beautiful Southland bush to a spectacular 22 metre cascade waterfall surrounded on both sides by dark-green mossy rocks. A must see waterfall in New Zealand.

Koropuku Falls.
The delightful Koropuku Falls are a must for photographers as this is far less visited than others but quite easy to miss. A small off road pull in and small sign are all the clues you get to visit this hidden beauty. A more or less easy track starts from the parking and goes through the native forest. The tack is very well maintained. In 2-5 minutes from beginning of the walk, you cross a stream via a footbridge, then you walk along the stream up to the waterfall's base. The track is slippery after rain, so please be careful! At the end of the track you will need to climb over some rocks and this is the most difficult part of the track.

Lunch stop.
A lunch stop at Niagara Falls Cafe won't disappoint but a view of the NZ version of Niagara Falls may. Niagara Falls was named by a surveyor with an obvious sense of humour! The ironically named falls share little in resemblance with their gigantic cousin and are nothing more than rapids really. However, situated just off of a main road, they are easily accessible and perfect for scenic photos and a breath of fresh air.

Curio Bay.
A short ride after lunch is Curio Bay. Curio Bay is of international significance for its Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The tree fossils you see here, similar to Kauri and Matai, are approximately 170 million years old. The forest was alive when New Zealand was part of Gondwanaland. Curio Bay’s Petrified Forest is best viewed at low tide from the viewing platform. You can also walk through the Living Forest walkway and see how the Petrified Forest may have looked millions of years ago. This is a special occurrence in the world to see a fossil forest so close to its living counterpart.
You may also see protected yellow-eyed penguins at Curio Bay in the late afternoon as they come ashore after a day at sea.

Slope Point.
You depart the road again if you want to visit Slope Point. Spectacular views of windswept trees, southern ocean waves crashing onto the rocks and a photo opportunity at an iconic signpost are features of this southernmost point of the South Island. The car park is a 5.5 km diversion and Slope Point is accessible via a 20 minute walk across private farmland from the car park.

Waipapa Point Lighthouse.
The last departure from the Scenic Highway is to visit the Waipapa Point Lighthouse. 4 kms of gravel road then 10 minutes walk to the lighthouse. 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!

Bluff.
The route now travels for 60 km through rich arable farmland to the end of this route at Stirling Point, Bluff.
As the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, Bluff has a rich and varied history. Check out the maritime museum for exhibits that focus on whaling, oyster fishing, and shipwrecks. The port of Bluff is the gateway to Stewart Island, and home of Bluff oysters – reputed to be the best in the world. The oyster season runs from March to August, and in May the locals put on a lively festival to honour Ostrea chilensis (that’s Latin for Bluff oyster).
You must call into any of the local establishments for fresh seafood – you simply can’t go wrong! Walk the streets to find galleries and large colourful murals throughout the town, as well as some meaningful monuments, this charming vintage town is full of surprises.
This route ends at the end of State Highway 1. State Highway 1 is the longest and most significant road in the New Zealand road network, running the length of both main islands for 2033 kms. Take a photo by the signpost then find your accommodation back in Bluff. Alternatively, you may choose to ride a further 25 minutes to stop in Invercargill. The next route 06 starts from a fuel station on the North Road, Highway 6 in Invercargill.

No road trip visit to Invercargill would be complete without a visit to the world-class vintage motor vehicle displays at Classic Motorcycle Mecca.
Here's a few lines from Classic Motorcycle Mecca:
"Classic Motorcycle Mecca is New Zealand's premiere motorcycle museum. We have the largest display of classic motorcycles in the country with a collection ranging from 1902 - 2007.
Once housed in Nelson and known as NZ Classic Motorcycles the entire collection was sold to Bill Richardson Transport World in May 2016. Given our natural enthusiasm for wheels and, Invercargill's celebrated obsession with motorcycles, it presented an opportunity of a lifetime. Widely regarded to be a world class display, our brand new motorcycle museum houses over 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork - some pieces of which are considered just as valuable as the bikes!"

Bill Richardson Transport World can be found just a short distance east from Classic Motorcycle Mecca on state highway 1.
If you're looking for things to do in Invercargill then you can't miss Bill Richardson Transport World. With literally hundreds of motor vehicles and petrol pumps on display there is a lot to take in. Transport World is the largest private collection of its type in the world. Designed to have something for everyone, not just vehicle enthusiasts.

Links for Bluff accommodation are below this review including a link for AirBnB who have a good selection of varied accommodation.
Enjoy