The Local Area

Wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins,Yellow-Eyed Penguins, Hooker sea lions, can be found at Curio and Porpoise Bays. The area also contains the fossilised remains of an ancient forest and has an interesting history.

Family Friendly Activities

• Swimming
• Beach walks
• Visit to the Petrified Forest
• Bush walks
• Dolphin watching
• Wildlife spotting
• Visit the lighthouse at Waipapa Point
• Yellow-Eyed Penguin viewing

More information can be found on the official Catlins website about walks, cycling, tours and other activities. (www.catlins.org.nz)

Curio Bay Surf School 
Curio Bay is the perfect place to surf, whether a first time surfer or an experienced one, the bay has the prefect swells to ride - you don’t want to miss the opportunity to surf the waves. Unsure about surfing? Why not give Stand Up Paddle (SUP) a go and enjoy all that the bay has to offer. Learning to surf, hiring a board or finding the right spot, the Surf School is your go to place.(www.catlins-surf.co.nz)

DOC Information about Curio Bay/Porpoise Bay 
(www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation)

Dining Options

Due to the remote location of Curio Bay dining options (particularly for the evening meal) are limited. We have a full sized kitchen and large refrigerator and encourage you to stock up on supplies before coming to the Catlins. Should you have forgotten anything the local campground, Curio Bay Holiday Park has basic supplies.(www.curiobayholidaypark.com)

There is also a convenience store in Tokonui (about a 25 minute drive).

Other dining options include:

Niagara Falls Café 
256 Niagara Waikawa Road. About a 10 minute drive away. Lovely café and gift shop. In Winter hours are 11am to 4pm and they are closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 
(www.niagarafallscafe.co.nz)

Blue Cod Blues
Kiwi fish and chips served from a caravan in Waikawa. Hours are seasonal. A sign is usually displayed at the front of the caravan detailing opening hours.

The Tokanui Tavern 
18 McEwan Street, Tokanui. About a 25 minute drive. Bistro style meals and bar snacks.

The Fortrose Café
5 Moray Terrace, Fortrose. A little further away, about a 35 minute drive via Tokanui, but a great option if venturing further afield sightseeing or on your way to or from Curio Bay.