When can you see penguins in Curio Bay?
Birds usually leave the nest for the sea early in the morning, returning late afternoon/early evening. The penguins moult between February and April when they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.
Where are the dolphins in the Catlins?
Dolphin (Hector’s) Can be found at: Curio and Porpoise Bay areas of the southern Catlins.
What interesting fossil attraction is found at Curio Bay?
Petrified Forest
one of the many gems of The Catlins Curio Bay is of international significance for its Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The tree fossils you see here, similar to Kauri and Matai, are approximately 170 million years old.
Where can I see penguins in Curio Bay?
There is a platform above the beach in Curio Bay for penguin viewing. The petrified forest is best viewed at low tide, if you visit at high tide, petrified stumps of wood can be seen in Waikawa, next to the Blue Cod Blues fish ‘n’ chip caravan.
How long does it take to drive through the Catlins?
It’s about 200km, and you’d be wise to take two days driving it. Heading out of town on Gorge Road, at Fortrose you latch onto the minor roads that will deliver the Catlins gems.
Where are Hector’s dolphins found?
New Zealand
Hector’s dolphins are coastal dolphins native to New Zealand. Māui dolphins are currently found only along the northwest coast of the North Island, between Maunganui Bluff and Whanganui.
Where can I see seals in NZ?
In the North Island you can see the seals at Cape Palliser, near Wellington and at Castlepoint on the Wairarapa coast. Take a kayaking trip around Tonga Island in the South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park and you’ll see seals, dolphins and penguins.
Where does the yellow-eyed penguin live?
The yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho is only found in New Zealand, nowhere else in the world! Hoiho breed on the south-east coast of the South Island, Stewart Island / Rakiura, and the subantarctic Auckland / Maungahuka and Campbell Islands / Motu Ihupuku.
Is the road through the Catlins sealed?
The road to popular spots such as Slope Point in the south Catlins has been sealed with the completion of a $9 million upgrade of the alternative scenic route. The improved route was not designed to be “just another road”, Hare said.
Can you see the Dolphins in Curio Bay?
Much of the road between Otara and Curio Bay is unsealed. Visitors to Curio Bay during the summer and autumn can often see Hector’s dolphins/papakanua playing in the surf. The Hector’s dolphin is one of the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world with a population of just over 7000.
Where do Hector’s dolphins live?
The Hector’s dolphin is one of the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world with a population of just over 7000. These dolphins are found only in New Zealand inshore waters; mainly around the South Island, particularly Te Waewae Bay, West Coast and Banks Peninsula.
How many yellow eyed penguins are there in New Zealand?
Several hoiho or yellow-eyed penguins nest in the area around Curio Bay/Waikawa. They are one of the rarest penguins in the world with an estimated total population in New Zealand of between 6000 and 7000. The population has declined because of the clearance of coastal forest in which the penguins nest.
Where are the best places to see penguins on Stewart Island?
Blue penguins nest in burrows around Porpoise Bay while Stewart Island shags can be seen on rock stacks below the headland and muttonbirds/tītī in groups off shore. White-fronted terns can also be seen around the bays. The fossilised remains of an ancient forest is exposed at Curio Bay during low tide.
