Papatowai | Chaslands
There are gorgeous beaches either side of the beautiful tidal estuary, which comes alive when the red rātā flowers spectacularly at the start of the summer. You can enjoy plenty of scenic strolls through the native bush where the only thing you can hear is the delightful birdsong and distant purr of the roaring waves.
This part of the Catlins is one of New Zealand’s best areas to experience the magic of waterfalls with Matai and Horseshoe Falls just north of the lovely little Papatowai.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) have a delightful campsite behind the shop, which backs on to the estuary. There is also a 24 hour petrol pump.
Florence Hill lookout is the perfect place to see sensational Tautuku beach and peninsula with panoramic views as well of the lush rainforest. Nearby Lake Wilkie is a serene spot and the Tautuku boardwalk gives you a true taste of the surrounding wetlands in a natural ancient podocarp forest amphitheatre.
