Balclutha
More than a gateway to The Catlins, Balclutha is the largest town in the Clutha District and home to the Balclutha Bridge - the almost 90-year-old famed arch bridge originally built to replace the town ferry.
Sitting on the banks of the mighty Clutha Mata-au River, the town was originally popular with farmers attracted to the area with the hope of discovering gold.
Now it is the commercial centre of Clutha and service town for the agricultural South Otago area. It is equipped with two supermarkets and a range of shops to set you up for exploring the district and beyond.
The town is perfect for an overnight stay, with plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Enjoy golf, swimming, or sports at the Cross Recreation Centre. Soak up the power of the town’s famous river with a walk or cycle from town along the picturesque Blair Athol Walkway. It’s a 1.5-hour nature walk, which leads to an amazing dell of rhododendrons that flower in spring.
Balclutha is the perfect starting point for discovering The Catlins; Kākā Point and Nugget Point are only a short drive away. There are many more must-do's along the Southern Scenic Route. Which destination will you discover first?
