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scenic · Bluff

Catlins Coast: Waterfalls, Fur Seals & Petrified Forest

Journey east along the wild Catlins coastline — a hidden gem of thundering waterfalls, petrified forest, and fur seal colonies that most travellers never discover. A luxury private day tour from Bluff into one of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes.

What to expect

Your guide collects you dockside and heads east through rolling farmland before the landscape suddenly turns wild — towering Purakaunui Falls, the 160-million-year-old petrified forest at Curio Bay, and a teeming fur seal colony at Nugget Point await. Yellow-eyed penguins (one of the world's rarest) can sometimes be spotted returning to their nests in the late afternoon. Commentary covers Māori lore, local geology and conservation with genuine expertise. The scenery throughout is jaw-dropping and almost entirely crowd-free.

Book it with
Catlins Wildlife Trackers Ecotours
NZD 200–NZD 285 per person (private full-day ecotour)
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Good to know

Full day — approximately 8–9 hrs. Depart Bluff Wharf by 8 am. Curio Bay to Nugget Point is a long loop; confirm the itinerary covers what matters most to you. Sturdy footwear recommended; coastal paths can be uneven.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Bluff — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Holland America · Volendam
12 nights · calls at Bluff
from $1,529
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MSC Cruises · MSC Magnifica
86 nights · calls at Bluff
from $12,459
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See all cruises to Bluff →
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