Clutha NZ and The Catlins

Clutha NZ and The Catlins Welcome to Clutha, New Zealand - Unique and Unspoilt. Take a journey off the beaten track. Watch penguins and seals frolic in the surf.

The Catlins is home to spectacular waterfalls, beautiful beaches, wonderful wildlife and lush rainforest. Visit our natural wonders such as the iconic Nugget Point or Cathedral Caves. Soak up the rich heritage in the lovely town of Lawrence, where one of The World’s largest gold rushes took place. The Clutha Gold Cycling and Walking Trail, one of The Great Rides of New Zealand takes you through ro

lling hills and along the Clutha River. There are wonderful walks with panoramic views in the Blue Mountains near Tapanui. New Zealand’s most inland tidal lake at Waihola can be found in Clutha, with Sinclair Wetlands and Taieri Mouth nearby. Lying between Dunedin and Invercargill on the popular Southern Scenic Route, we welcome you to the Clutha District.

Blue cod and ocean views? Hard to beat that combo at Sandy’s in Kākā Point. 🌊🐟Check out these tasty bites!🍔 Blue Cod Sli...
02/06/2026

Blue cod and ocean views? Hard to beat that combo at Sandy’s in Kākā Point. 🌊🐟

Check out these tasty bites!

🍔 Blue Cod Sliders
Sourdough battered cod sliders with slaw, red onion, tartare, and sriracha mayo.

🍟 Blue Cod and Fries
Battered blue cod served with thick cut fries, green salad, and tartare sauce.

Have you stopped in at Sandy’s yet? You can find them located on the Kākā Point foreshore in The Catlins.

📍 58 Esplanade, Kākā Point
📞 03 412 8800

📸 by Black Feather Studio

27/05/2026

You never know who you'll come across at Pūrākaunui Bay! 🤩

Pūrākaunui Bay is one of the best-known coastal spots in The Catlins. 🌊

Located along the Southern Scenic Route, the bay is known for its sandy beach, rolling surf, and dramatic cliffs stretching around the coastline.

The Department of Conservation also operates the Pūrākaunui Bay Campsite here, making it a well-known stop for people travelling through this part of the Clutha District.

If you’ve explored The Catlins before, there’s a good chance Pūrākaunui Bay has made its way onto your camera roll at some point. 👌

Don’t forget, if you spot seals or sea lions on the beach in the Clutha District and The Catlins, the Department of Conservation recommends you:

🦭 Keep at least 20 metres away.
🐕 Keep dogs well away.
🌊 Never get between them and the ocean.
🚶 If approached, stay calm and move away slowly.
📷 Enjoy the moment from a respectful distance.

📹 by Black Feather Studio
✂️ by The Commute

Did you know Gabriels Gully is where New Zealand’s first major gold rush began in 1861? ⛏️Just 3 km from Lawrence, this ...
24/05/2026

Did you know Gabriels Gully is where New Zealand’s first major gold rush began in 1861? ⛏️

Just 3 km from Lawrence, this historic reserve marks the place where Gabriel Read’s gold discovery helped spark a rush of thousands of prospectors into the area more than 165 years ago.

Today, the Gabriels Gully Interpretation Walk is an easy 2.8 km, 1.5 hour loop through the reserve, featuring historic water races, old mining remnants, a viewing platform, and 14 interpretation panels sharing stories from the gold rush era.

Dogs are welcome on leash. Make sure to follow all rules while exploring with your furry friends. For more information, check out the Department of Conservation website.

The Gabriels Gully Interpretation Walk is an easy way to stretch the legs and soak in an important piece of Clutha District history.

Save this one for your next Lawrence visit. 👌

22/05/2026

What a night at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au - Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre for Rock Tenors Anthems Reloaded Tour. 🎤🔥

On Wednesday 22 April, Rock Tenors brought soaring harmonies and plenty of rock nostalgia to Balclutha.

Featuring hits from Queen, Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, U2, and more, it was a big night of live music in the Clutha District, with powerhouse vocals and plenty of positive feedback from the crowd after the show. 👏

Thanks to everyone who came along and helped fill the theatre for another unforgettable night at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au.

📹 by Rock Tenors

Nourish & Navigate - An Evening with Nadia Lim & Carlos Bagrie is coming to Balclutha on June 9. 🌿📍 Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Ba...
19/05/2026

Nourish & Navigate - An Evening with Nadia Lim & Carlos Bagrie is coming to Balclutha on June 9. 🌿

📍 Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Balclutha
📅 Tuesday 9 June 2026
🕖 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Nourish & Navigate brings together two voices for a shared conversation shaped by lived experience and practical insight.

Grounded in the realities of life on the land, this session weaves together perspectives from farming, food, wellbeing, and the wider economic environment. Together, they will explore what it means to live well in changing times, both as individuals and as communities.

Designed with a rural audience in mind, this is an engaging and accessible session that invites reflection, connection, and real-world takeaways.

🎟️ Tickets available through Eventfinda. Link in Comments.

Nadia Lim Te Pou Ō Mata-Au - Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre

How great is autumn in the Clutha District?! 🍂The colours might be fading and the leaves might be falling, but there’s s...
17/05/2026

How great is autumn in the Clutha District?! 🍂

The colours might be fading and the leaves might be falling, but there’s still plenty of crisp mornings, golden trees, and quiet roads worth exploring.

Swipe through for a few seasonal scenes from around the District. 👌

📸 Photos by:
The Commute
Graham C Wallace
Capture Clutha

This is our idea of family time. 😍McLean Falls takes our breath away every visit. An approachable walk through native bu...
15/05/2026

This is our idea of family time. 😍

McLean Falls takes our breath away every visit. An approachable walk through native bush, with a few bridges scattered along the path. Then that moment when the falls come into view… it really is something else!

A perfect excuse to get out of the house, stretch your legs, and spend some quality time together as a family.

What to expect:
🌿 Well-formed walking track through native forest
🌉 A series of small bridges
💧 One of the most impressive waterfalls in The Catlins
🚶‍♂️ Around a 40 minute return walk

How to get there:
Turn off Chaslands Highway onto Rewcastle Road, 11.6 km south of Papatowai. It’s a further 3 km to the car park.

See you out there!

📸 Black Feather Studio

Planning a major event in the Clutha District? We want to hear about it! 📣Clutha Development works to promote the region...
11/05/2026

Planning a major event in the Clutha District? We want to hear about it! 📣

Clutha Development works to promote the region, helping attract visitors to Stay A While and experience more of what the District has to offer. If you are organising something that brings people into the area, make sure it is on our radar!

Why keep us across your event:
📣 Get featured on cluthanz.com.
📱 Promoted to our social audience.
🚗 Help visitors plan their trip through the district.
🏨 Encourage visitors to stay longer and support local businesses.

It is a simple way to extend your reach and connect with people looking for their next reason to visit!

Head to the Clutha NZ website and get in touch with the Clutha Development team for more information. Link in comments.

Road trip snack, quick coffee, hot food, forgotten essentials. Night 'n Day has the Clutha District covered! ☕🍦With stor...
08/05/2026

Road trip snack, quick coffee, hot food, forgotten essentials. Night 'n Day has the Clutha District covered! ☕🍦

With stores in Milton, Balclutha and Lawrence, it is an easy stop no matter where you are. Each store is locally owned and operated, backed by a proudly New Zealand brand.

Local locations:
☕ Milton - 24 Union Street, Milton
☕ Balclutha - 25 Essex Street, Balclutha
☕ Lawrence - 2 Whitehaven Street, Lawrence

What you will find:
☕ Great coffee and cold drinks.
🍔 Hot food and ready-to-go snacks.
🍦 Ice cream and treats.
🛒 Everyday essentials.

A familiar stop, wherever the journey is taking you.

📸 The Commute

04/05/2026

Big machinery, deep local knowledge, and a team that doesn’t mind the cold. 😅

Meet Jason, part of the crew at Andrew Haulage 2011 Ltd.
Originally from the UK and now based in Waihola, Jason’s found his place in the Clutha District, drawn in by the people, the lifestyle, and even the colder winters.

From forestry and demolition to water infrastructure and civil works, the team at Andrew Haulage 2011 Ltd plays a big role in the everyday systems people rely on.

For Jason, good people, meaningful work, and a team that works as one is more than enough reason to Stay For Good.

Ready to navigate a new career in the Clutha District? Make your way to the Clutha Career Compass for more info! (Link in comments)

📹

Address

Level 1, Te Pou Ō Mata-Au Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre, 6 Clyde Street
Balclutha
9230

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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