The Catlins

The Catlins is an area south east of the south island.

We headed to an i-site which is a tourist information and they gave us some tips on spotting wildlife. We headed to Nugget bay as we heard that it was a chance to spot the rare and endangered yellow eyed penguin.

There was a hut that had been built to allow viewing. We didn't think they were going to show up but then one surfed it's way in and suddenly popped up and waddled onto the beach! We watched 5 or 6 waddle up the beach in the space of an hour. It was so good watching them and we were glad we made the effort!

Most people stuck to the rules but unfortunately a few of our Eurozone neighbours had to get a better view and sat a bit closer, which at some will scare the little fellas off somewhere else. We walked to the lighthouse on Nuggett bay and heard and saw some more seals squawking on the rocks below.

Note: The penguins are in the picture! This is one of those times where a big zoom lense camera would have been handy!!