Cycling in The Catlins

Cannibal Bay

Cannibal Bay is a great place to spot Sea Lions however there is some riding to be done before you get there. It has great vistas and it is possible to ride along the beach once you arrive - just don’t upset the local Sea Lions!

Distance:

24km loop

Difficulty:

Active Grade 3 (Cannibal Bay)

Duration:

2 - 3 hours

Owaka - The Local Ride

This is a short journey, ideal for younger riders, families or simply if you want a quick look around. Traversing the back streets of Owaka, this ride provides you a flavour of the town.

Distance:

3km loop

Difficulty:

Easy Grade 2 (Owaka)

Duration:

Under 1 hour

Around The Lake

A trip around the Catlins Lake (Estuary) is well worth the ride with constantly changing views as the tide moves in and out each day.

Distance:

16.5km loop

Difficulty:

Active Grade 3 (Around The Lake)

Duration:

1 - 2 hours

Surat Bay - Pounawea

The trip to Pounawea and Surat Bay is a very popular destination for visitors to the Catlins. The ride is not too far and well worth the effort once you get there.

Distance:

16km loop

Difficulty:

Moderate Grade 3 (Surat Bay - Pounawea)

Duration:

1 - 2 hours

Jacks Bay

Jacks Bay is one of the best beaches in The Catlins and well worth the ride. There are some great views along the way, with prolific bird life along the edge of the estuary, especially early in the morning.

Distance:

19km loop

Difficulty:

Moderate Grade 3 (Jacks Bay)

Duration:

1 - 2 hours

Purakaunui Bay

Purakaunui Bay is one of the best kept secrets in The Catlins. With this ride you get the best the district can offer you; Beach, Bush, Wildlife and Rural vistas.

Distance:

36km loop

Difficulty:

Active Grade 3 (Purakaunui Bay)

Duration:

2 - 3 hours

Morris Saddle - Tawanui

This is a great scenic ride and it provides you a chance to experience a bit of everything The Catlins has to offer.

Distance:

32km loop

Difficulty:

Active Grade 3 (Morris Saddle - Tawanui)

Duration:

2 - 3 hours

Katea Loop

This is a great ride through some of the back rural roads of The Catlins.

Distance:

16.5km loop

Difficulty:

Active Grade 3 (Katea Loop)

Duration:

1 - 2 hours