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.

Chasing waves in The Catlins? 🏄‍♂️🌊Pūrākaunui Bay and Tautuku Bay are two pretty spectacular stretches of coastline to h...
10/09/2026

Chasing waves in The Catlins? 🏄‍♂️🌊

Pūrākaunui Bay and Tautuku Bay are two pretty spectacular stretches of coastline to have on your radar.

🌊 Pūrākaunui Bay
A surfer’s paradise known for producing some of the largest winter waves in New Zealand. Even when you’re not in the water, there’s plenty to take in, from the towering sea cliffs featured in The Chronicles of Narnia to seals and sea lions along the coastline. Want to make a trip of it? There’s even a DOC campsite right by the beach.

🌊 Tautuku Bay
Golden sand, native forest and a much slower pace. Once home to a whaling station and bustling port, today Tautuku Bay is all about its natural beauty. Between waves, check out the view from Florence Hill Lookout or explore nearby Lake Wilkie, the Tautuku Estuary Boardwalk and Tautuku Bay Nature Walk.

Pack the board, pull on the wetsuit and make a weekend of it. 🤙

Where’s your favourite place to surf in the Clutha District? Let us know in the comments!

The daffodils at Wetherstons will be worth the wait. 🌼Each spring, the historic Wetherstons Brewery Ruins near Lawrence ...
07/09/2026

The daffodils at Wetherstons will be worth the wait. 🌼

Each spring, the historic Wetherstons Brewery Ruins near Lawrence usually opens its gates, inviting visitors to wander through gardens filled with thousands of flowering daffodils.

Following extensive damage caused by last October’s storm, the property will remain closed for the 2026 season. A significant amount of fallen timber still needs to be cleared, the property lost its only onsite storage and there are ongoing safety concerns around the remaining trees.

This season will instead be spent making the property safe and planning for the future. For now, please remember that the site remains closed and should not be visited.

A huge thank you to the volunteers continuing to care for this special place. We’re already looking forward to the next time the gates can open and everyone can enjoy the gardens once again. 💛



Weatherstons Brewery and Daffodils Trust

04/09/2026

Attention explorers! 🗺️🤳

Have we got the ultimate weekend activity for you!

Make tracks to Lawrence and explore this beautiful area with fresh eyes by purchasing a souvenir interactive Storymapp!

Enjoy a self-guided heritage trail with a digital twist. By scanning the QR codes located on your map you will unlock augmented reality recreations of all the areas biggest historic locations. Including sites like Gabriel’s Gully, the Chinese Camp and more. It's immersive history everywhere you turn!

A perfect outdoor activity for all ages!

Purchase your souvenir Storymapp for $30 at:
- Lawrence Information Centre & Museum
- The Prospector Cafe in Lawrence
- Te Pou Ō Mata-Au Information Centre in Balclutha

Share this reel with the history ju**ie in your life!

Spring lambs, greener paddocks and longer days ahead! 🐑🌱There’s something pretty special about this time of year in our ...
31/08/2026

Spring lambs, greener paddocks and longer days ahead! 🐑🌱

There’s something pretty special about this time of year in our part of the world. Here’s to spring and (hopefully) plenty of beautiful weather across the Clutha District. 💚

Got some spring farm pics of your own? Share them with us, we’d love to see them! 📸

28/08/2026

Where are you planning on exploring this weekend? 👀

With so much to see and do across the Clutha District and The Catlins, there's always somewhere new to discover or an old favourite worth revisiting.

Take the walk to Pūrākaunui Falls, head out to Jack's Blowhole, spot sea lions along the coast, time your visit to Cathedral Caves (reopens mid-October) or take in the views from Nugget Point. And that's only scratching the surface!

So get out there, make the most of the weekend and see where the road takes you! 🚗🌿

Let us know where you're heading in the comments. 👇

📹 by Black Feather Studio

A coffee by the coast, sea lions on the sand and a bed waiting just metres from the beach. Welcome to Surat Bay. 🌊☕️Just...
26/08/2026

A coffee by the coast, sea lions on the sand and a bed waiting just metres from the beach. Welcome to Surat Bay. 🌊☕️

Just outside Ōwaka, Surat Bay is a beautiful stretch of coastline and one of the best places in The Catlins to spot native New Zealand sea lions.

Make a stop at The Orange Roughy for a coffee or hot chocolate before heading down to the beach, then stay a little longer at Surat Bay Lodge, located right on the edge of the bay with views out towards the water.

Not a bad way to spend a day (or night) in The Catlins. 🥰

📍 Surat Bay, New Haven, around 6km from Ōwaka

24/08/2026

Clutha in one word... 💚

Breathtaking. Friendly. Welcoming. Beautiful. Community. Enigmatic. Heaven on earth. Eventful. Scenic. Safe. Awesome.

And our personal favourite… “everyone knows everyone.” 😂

We asked locals to describe the Clutha District in just one word, and while some may have bent the rules a little, we think they summed it up pretty well.

Now it’s your turn! How would you describe Clutha in one word? Let us know in the comments!

Tucked away just minutes from Balclutha, The Fern and Thistle NZ offers a peaceful blend of history, luxury and warm hos...
20/08/2026

Tucked away just minutes from Balclutha, The Fern and Thistle NZ offers a peaceful blend of history, luxury and warm hospitality. 😍

Set within beautifully restored heritage grounds, it's the perfect base for discovering everything the Clutha District has to offer, from rugged coastlines and scenic walks to charming local cafés and hidden gems.

After a day of adventure, unwind in the sauna or hot tub, wander the landscaped gardens, and settle into a slower pace that makes the Clutha District so unforgettable.

The beautifully restored 1914 villa combines historic character with modern comforts, making it an ideal escape for couples, road trippers, or anyone looking to stay a little longer.

Golden fish, crispy chips, and a lakeside view... what more could you ask for? 🎣 Right on State Highway 1 in Waihola, Wa...
18/08/2026

Golden fish, crispy chips, and a lakeside view... what more could you ask for? 🎣

Right on State Highway 1 in Waihola, Waihola Fresh Fish Supply is a local favourite and has been serving up classic Kiwi fish and chips that have become a viral sensation and a must-visit stop for travellers passing through.

If you're road-tripping through the Clutha District, make the stop. You won't regret it!

🍟 Waihola Fresh Fish Supply
📍 39 Greenwich Street, Waihola 9073, New Zealand

Opening Hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 10 am – 7:30 pm
Friday: 10 am – 8 pm

📸 escape.video

13/08/2026

Don't just stand there! 🛋️

Nestled in the heart of Clinton, Chairful Studio is filled with thoughtfully curated New Zealand-made and sourced furniture, homewares, gifts and artisan pieces you won't find just anywhere.

Chairful Studio began with nothing more than a dream back in 2014 and has grown into a family-run business dedicated to restoring furniture, handcrafting beautiful ottomans and cushions, and filling homes with thoughtfully curated New Zealand-made furniture, homewares, clothing and gifts. Every piece is chosen or created with quality and longevity in mind.

Add Chairful Studio to your list for your next visit to Clinton and pick up your next unique find!

Chairful Studio

🪑 Chairful Studio
📍 2 Main Road, South Otago, Clinton 9534, New Zealand

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

Website

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