Curio Bay Walk

Loop

To see it at its best, you must time your visit with low tide. As the water recedes, it reveals a massive tidal rock platform littered with fossilised tree stumps and horizontal logs. Seeing the distinct rings of the wood frozen in stone is a humbling experience that puts our human timeline into perspective.

Another standout feature is the Penguin Walk. This short detour leads to a dedicated viewing area overlooking the nesting sites of the hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin. Even if you don't spot a penguin (they are notoriously shy!), the view of the waves crashing against the flax-covered dunes is spectacular.

For those who love a good panoramic photo, the clifftop sections of the trail offer unobstructed vistas of the Southern Ocean. On a clear day, the blue of the water is incredibly deep, contrasting sharply with the golden sands of Porpoise Bay. Keep your eyes peeled on the surf—the resident Hector’s dolphins are often seen jumping through the waves, providing a natural spectacle that no aquarium could ever match.

Getting There

Reaching Curio Bay is a scenic adventure in itself. If you are driving the Southern Scenic Route, you’ll turn off at the small township of Waikawa onto the Waikawa-Curio Bay Road. Follow this road to the very end, where you will find the Curio Bay settlement.

There is ample parking available at the Curio Scape visitor centre and campground area. The car park is spacious enough to accommodate cars, large campervans, and motorhomes, making it a convenient stop for those touring the South Island in a "home on wheels." The trailhead is clearly marked right from the parking area, so you can lace up your shoes and get moving straight away.

Wildlife Spotting

The Catlins is famous for its "wild" factor, and Curio Bay is one of the best places in New Zealand to see rare species in their natural habitat.

• Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho): These are among the rarest penguins in the world. The best time to see them is late afternoon or early evening as they return from a day of fishing to their nests in the dunes. Please remember: stay on the viewing platforms, keep noise to a minimum, and never block a penguin’s path to its nest. They are very easily stressed!
• Hector’s Dolphins (Papakanua): These tiny, round-finned dolphins love the surf at Porpoise Bay. They are most active during the warmer summer months. You can often see them from the clifftop path without even needing binoculars.
• New Zealand Sea Lions and Fur Seals: It is very common to see these heavyweights of the marine world hauled out on the rocks or even lounging on the beach. They can look like big logs from a distance, so keep a sharp eye out and always maintain a distance of at least 20 metres.
• Forest Birds: While walking through the Living Forest Walkway, listen for the chime of the Tūī and the friendly "cheep" of the New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka). You might also see the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched heavily in the branches of native trees.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer (December – February): This is the best time for dolphin spotting and enjoying the long twilight hours for penguin watching. The weather is generally milder, though the coastal wind is a constant companion.
• Autumn (March – May): The light is beautiful for photography, and the crowds begin to thin out.
• Winter (June – August): Expect wild, dramatic seas and bracing winds. It’s the perfect time to feel the raw power of the Catlins—just make sure you have a windproof jacket!
• Spring (September – November): The native bush is vibrant and regenerating, and birdlife is particularly active.

• Check the Tide: This is the most important tip! The petrified forest is covered by the sea at high tide. Check the local tide charts before you arrive to ensure you can actually walk out onto the rock platform.
• Start Time: If you want to see penguins, aim to finish your walk near sunset. If you’re more interested in the geology, aim for an hour before low tide.
• What to Wear: Even on a sunny day, the wind at Curio Bay can be "fresh" (a classic Kiwi understatement for cold). Bring a windbreaker, sturdy walking shoes, and plenty of sun protection, as the southern sun is very strong.
• No Dogs Allowed: To protect the endangered penguins and local seals, dogs are strictly prohibited in this area.

Local & Regional Context

The area is known to Māori as Tumu Toka, which translates to "The Petrified Rock." This name reflects the long-standing connection and recognition of the area’s unique geological makeup. For Ngāi Tahu, the local iwi (tribe), the coastline provided a rich source of mahinga kai (food gathering), and the area remains culturally significant today.

Geologically, the bay is a site of international importance. It provides a rare window into the Middle Jurassic period. The fossilisation process happened so perfectly that you can still see the internal structures of the wood under a microscope. It is a reminder that New Zealand’s foundations are ancient, built from the remnants of a lost supercontinent.

Conservation is a huge part of the local culture here. The community and the Department of Conservation (DOC) work tirelessly to protect the hoiho habitat. By visiting, you are participating in a tradition of eco-tourism that values preservation over exploitation.

After the Walk

After you’ve finished your loop and filled your camera roll with photos of 180-million-year-old trees, you’ll likely be looking for a spot to refuel.

The Tumu Toka Curio Scape is located right at the trailhead. It’s a fantastic facility that usually features a modern cafe, a gift shop, and an interactive world-class visitor centre that explains the science behind the petrified forest. It’s the perfect place to grab a flat white and a slice of cake while looking out over the bay.

Note for Travellers: The visitor centre and cafe are scheduled for significant upgrades and will be closed from April 16, 2026, until further notice. If you are visiting after this date, be sure to pack a picnic or stop in at the nearby town of Waikawa (just a few minutes' drive away) where you can find local hospitality and a chance to chat with the friendly locals about your Jurassic adventure.