Catlins Conservation Park

Catlins Conservation Park is a protected area in New Zealand.

Catlins Conservation Park at a Glance

Location
Otago & Southland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-46.463330, 169.300920
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Catlins Conservation Park

Nearest airport: Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre (NZTJ), 387 km away.

Nearest international airport: Christchurch Airport (CHC), 418 km away.

Big Five in Catlins Conservation Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: New Zealand Sea Lion.

Weather & Climate in Catlins Conservation Park

The warmest temperatures in Catlins Conservation Park occur in January, averaging 11.9°C (up to 16.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 82.2mm. Average humidity: 84.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 11.9°C (rainfall: 115.6mm)
  • February: 11.6°C (rainfall: 128.5mm)
  • March: 9.9°C (rainfall: 106.3mm)
  • April: 8.4°C (rainfall: 106.1mm)
  • May: 6.4°C (rainfall: 95.7mm)
  • June: 4.3°C (rainfall: 90.6mm)
  • July: 3.8°C (rainfall: 130.8mm)
  • August: 4.6°C (rainfall: 82.2mm)
  • September: 5.4°C (rainfall: 140.7mm)
  • October: 7.1°C (rainfall: 138.7mm)
  • November: 8.8°C (rainfall: 114.5mm)
  • December: 10.5°C (rainfall: 136.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Catlins Conservation Park

The best months to visit Catlins Conservation Park are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 11.86°C, rainfall 115.6mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 81.1%
  • February: Poor, temperature 11.6°C, rainfall 128.5mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 81.2%
  • March: Poor, temperature 9.92°C, rainfall 106.3mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 82.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 8.41°C, rainfall 106.1mm, sunshine 6.7 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • May: Poor, temperature 6.38°C, rainfall 95.7mm, sunshine 5.8 hrs, humidity 84.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 4.25°C, rainfall 90.6mm, sunshine 5.3 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • July: Poor, temperature 3.78°C, rainfall 130.8mm, sunshine 4.9 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • August: Poor, temperature 4.57°C, rainfall 82.2mm, sunshine 6.7 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 5.4°C, rainfall 140.7mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 82.3%
  • October: Poor, temperature 7.09°C, rainfall 138.7mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 81.6%
  • November: Poor, temperature 8.85°C, rainfall 114.5mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 81.1%
  • December: Poor, temperature 10.5°C, rainfall 136.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 82.3%

Wildlife in Catlins Conservation Park

Home to 27 recorded species including 17 waterbirds, 4 iconic birds, 3 birds of prey, 2 marine & freshwater, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Catlins Conservation Park

Based on average temperature of 7.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 83%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 8°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Catlins Conservation Park

40 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

budget

Similar Parks in Otago & Southland

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for New Zealand

Travel advisory for New Zealand

Catlins Conservation Park FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to see in Catlins Conservation Park, and what activities are popular?

Catlins Conservation Park is renowned for its diverse coastal wildlife, including rare yellow-eyed penguins, Hector's dolphins, and various seabirds. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks to waterfalls, explore rugged coastlines, and discover hidden coves, making it ideal for nature photography and birdwatching.

When is the best time to visit Catlins Conservation Park for optimal wildlife viewing and weather conditions?

The ideal time to visit Catlins Conservation Park is during the New Zealand summer and autumn months, from December to April, for warmer weather and longer daylight hours. This period offers the best opportunities for spotting penguins and marine mammals, though wildlife can be observed year-round.

What safety precautions should I take, particularly regarding the moderate malaria risk mentioned for Catlins Conservation Park?

While New Zealand is generally malaria-free, visitors to Catlins Conservation Park should be aware of a moderate malaria risk as specified. Consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk, to protect against mosquito bites.

Given its low crowding level, what kind of experience can I expect regarding visitor numbers at Catlins Conservation Park?

With a crowding level of 2/5, Catlins Conservation Park offers a relatively tranquil and uncrowded experience, allowing for peaceful exploration of its natural beauty. You can expect to find solitude on many trails and at viewpoints, providing an intimate connection with the environment.

Are there any entry fees or significant costs associated with visiting Catlins Conservation Park, and how accessible are its main attractions?

Generally, there are no direct entry fees for Catlins Conservation Park itself, making it a budget-friendly destination. Most attractions, such as waterfalls and coastal viewpoints, are accessible via well-maintained roads and walking tracks, though some remote areas may require more robust transport.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.