Surf the Catlins
Consistent swells, cold water, and almost no one out. Porpoise Bay is the most accessible break — a beautiful crescent of black sand with Hector's dolphins that occasionally surf alongside you.
Heads up: Water is cold year-round. A 4/3 wetsuit minimum.
Porpoise Bay
Camp at Purakaunui
A DOC campsite next to one of the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. The falls are a 10-minute walk from the tents. Dead quiet at night — stars, forest sounds, nothing else.
Don't miss: Purakaunui Falls at golden hour. Tiered, mossy, straight out of a fairy tale.
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Beach Day at Monkey Island
A tidal island connected to the beach at low tide. Climb to the top for a 360° view of the Foveaux Strait. Sea lions lounge on the sand nearby like they own the place — because they do.
Tip: Check the tide before you go — you want low tide to walk across.
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Nugget Point at Sunrise
A lighthouse perched on a headland above a scatter of sea stacks rising from the ocean. One of the most dramatic coastline shots in New Zealand — and almost nobody is there at sunrise. Worth the early alarm.
Best time: Sunrise. Get there 20 minutes early. The light is everything.
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