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Tawanui, Catlins
1.7 km
42 minutes
150 metres
If you are looking for that "top of the world" feeling without having to spend days trekking into the wilderness, you have just found your next favourite spot. The Rocky Knoll extension track, tucked away in the Tawanui area of the Catlins, is one of those rare New Zealand trails that offers a massive reward for a relatively modest effort.
Often overlooked by travellers rushing between the famous waterfalls and lighthouses of the Southern Scenic Route, this track is a true hidden gem. It serves as a stunning side-quest to the well-known Wisp Loop Walk, providing a literal high point to your Catlins adventure. Whether you are a local Southlander looking for a fresh weekend perspective or a tourist wanting to see the "wild heart" of the South Island, Rocky Knoll delivers a 360-degree panorama that will stay with you long after you’ve brushed the mud off your boots.
The journey to Rocky Knoll is a fascinating study in New Zealand’s changing landscapes. Starting from the picnic area at The Wisp, the track initially follows wide forestry roads. This part of the walk is easy-going and accessible, making it a fantastic choice for families with energetic kids. As you begin the gentle ascent, you are surrounded by a towering mix of exotic timber—radiata pine, Douglas fir, and the unmistakable, clean scent of eucalyptus. On a sunny day, the light filters through these tall giants in dappled patterns, and the air smells like a blend of fresh sap and sun-warmed earth.
As you gain elevation, the scenery begins to shift. The orderly rows of the plantation give way to the tangled, ancient beauty of the native silver beech forest. This is the quintessential New Zealand bush experience. The ground becomes a lush carpet of vibrant green mosses and delicate ferns, and the air turns cooler and more humid. The track itself is well-defined, but as you transition into the native forest, keep an eye on your footing. While it is classified as an easy walk, the 150-metre elevation gain over a short distance means your heart rate will definitely pick up, and the path can get a little "rooty" or slippery after a classic Catlins rain shower.
The "extension" part of the track is where things get really exciting. While the main Wisp Loop continues its long journey through the valley, you will branch off and head upward. The final stretch feels like a secret passage through the trees before you suddenly break out onto the knoll itself. The change is dramatic—you leave the sheltered canopy and emerge into a world of sub-alpine shrubs and wide-open sky.
Parking is available at the start of the Wisp Loop Walk, which the Rocky Knoll extension track branches off. Access to The Wisp is via Chloris Pass Road from the Owaka Valley. There is a picnic area with a toilet at The Wisp end of the tracks.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the Rocky Knoll lookout. Sitting at approximately 500 metres above sea level, this is actually the highest accessible point in the entire Catlins region. Because the surrounding terrain is lower, the sense of scale is immense.
From the summit, you are treated to a breathtaking tableau. To the south and east, the rugged, windswept coastline stretches out, where the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean crashes against the land. On a clear day, the horizon seems to go on forever. Turning inland, you gaze over the undulating ridges of the Rata Range and the vast, verdant canopy of the Catlins Forest Park. It is a perspective that truly illustrates how wild and untouched this corner of the world remains.
For the botanists and nature lovers among us, keep a sharp eye out during the climb through the beech forest. If you are visiting in December or January, you might be lucky enough to spot the brilliant scarlet flowers of the native mistletoe, Peraxilla colensoi. These flowers are a rare treat and add a splash of fiery colour to the deep greens of the forest. Near the top, you’ll also see glimpses of rare sub-alpine vegetation—hardy plants that have adapted to the wind and the altitude, a surprising find so close to the coast.
To find this slice of paradise, you’ll need to head into the Owaka Valley. From the township of Owaka, follow the signs toward the Owaka Valley and turn onto Chloris Pass Road. This will lead you to the area known as The Wisp.
The trailhead is well-marked, and there is a dedicated parking area at the start of the Wisp Loop Walk. One of the perks of this location is the tidy picnic area, which comes complete with a toilet—always a welcome sight before or after a hike! The road in is gravel in sections, so take it easy and enjoy the rural scenery as you drive in.
The Catlins is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birdlife, and the Rocky Knoll extension track is a fantastic place to hear the "chorus" of the bush. The most common companions on your walk will be the Tui, with their iridescent feathers and complex melodies, and the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon), whose heavy wingbeats you’ll often hear before you see them. Fantails (Piwakawaka) are also frequent visitors, often fluttering right up to hikers to snatch up the insects disturbed by your footsteps.
If you are quiet and keep your eyes peeled in the beech forest, you might spot some of our smaller, rarer treasures. The Mohua (Yellowhead) is occasionally seen here; they are bright little birds that move in social groups and are a real highlight for any birdwatcher. You might also hear the high-pitched "zeet" of the Rifleman (Titipounamu), New Zealand’s smallest bird, or the haunting call of the Morepork (Ruru) if you happen to be there near dusk.
Pro tip: Bring a small pair of binoculars. While the birds are plentiful, the thick canopy can make them tricky to spot with the naked eye.
Best time of day: Aim to start in the mid-morning. This allows the mist to clear from the valleys, ensuring you get those expansive views, but still leaves you plenty of time for a celebratory lunch in Owaka afterwards.
The Catlins, or Te Akau Tai Toka, holds deep significance. For Māori, this area was a rich source of mahinga kai (food gathering), with the rivers and coast providing abundance. The Rata Range and the surrounding forests were part of a vast wilderness that supported early seasonal camps.
In more recent history, the mix of exotic forestry and native conservation on this track tells the story of the region’s colonial development. The Catlins was once a major hub for timber milling, and you can still see the remnants of that industry in the landscape today. The fact that this area is now a protected Forest Park allows us to appreciate both the history of the land and the incredible success of modern conservation efforts to bring back species like the Mohua.
Once you’ve descended and made it back to your car, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Head back into Owaka, the heart of the Catlins.
A local favourite is the Catlins Café. It’s the perfect spot for a post-hike coffee and a massive slice of Southland cheese roll (a local delicacy you must try). If you’re after something more substantial, the Lumberjack & Co offers hearty meals that are designed for hungry explorers. For a quirkier experience, don't miss Teapot Land just down the road—it’s a great way to wind down and have a laugh before you continue your journey through the South.
The Rocky Knoll extension track might be short, but it packs a massive punch. It’s a place to breathe deep, look far, and truly appreciate the wild, untamed beauty of New Zealand’s deep south.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Mohoua ochrocephala
Also known as the yellowhead, this small, insect-eating bird is a threatened species unique to the South Island forests.
Best time: Year-round
Acanthisitta chloris
New Zealand's smallest native bird, it often forages by spiralling up tree trunks and branches in search of insects.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round