New Zealand’s Catlins on a motorcycle . . . A Southern must-do when visiting Kiwi country

A motorcycle trip through the southernmost part of New Zealand isn’t complete without riding from Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins. This stretch of road boasts some undulating riding and reveals a rugged coastline that’ll stay etched with you forever.

Leaving Invercargill, the road gives you time to settle in. The riding starts off open and straightforward, with wide skies and little traffic. As you move east, the landscape begins to tighten up. The Catlins introduce corners, changing surfaces – the landscape is remote, magical and untouched.

Spectacular waterfalls dominant this region. McLean Falls and Purakaunui Falls sit just off the road, easy to reach and worth the short walk.  Curio Bay hosts the remains of the 180-million-year-old forest are unlike anything else on the route. Further along the coast, Nugget Point is an essential stop. The lighthouse sits exposed at the edge of the country, with the Pacific stretching out in every direction. The ride out there is unforgettable: narrow roads, strong coastal wind, and views for miles.

 Kaka Point offers a natural pause. It’s a working coastal settlement rather than a polished tourist stop, which makes it a good place to refuel both bike and rider. The Kaka Point Hotel has long been part of the area’s character and was a favourite of famous Kiwi poet Hone Tuwhare.

Accommodation matters on a ride like this, especially when the days are full and the weather can change quickly. Near Port Molyneux, the Headmaster’s House is a good example of how old buildings in the region have been given new life. Once part of the former Port Molyneux school, the complex had fallen into disrepair before local couple Jade and Lyndon McNab took on the work of restoring it. Now operating as accommodation and a wedding venue, it offers a comfortable, self-contained place to stop, with the added benefit of a spa that looks out onto a clear southern night sky.

For anyone visiting the southernmost part of New Zealand, this ride shouldn’t be treated as optional. The Catlins route connects places, people, and landscapes – and what better way to experience it all than on two wheels