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Catlins
2.4 km
42 minutes
30 metres
If you’ve ever wanted to stand at the absolute edge of New Zealand, Slope Point is the place to do it. Located in the wild, rugged heart of the Catlins, this isn't just another coastal stroll; it’s a pilgrimage to the southernmost tip of mainland New Zealand. While Cape Reinga gets all the glory in the north, Slope Point offers a raw, untamed beauty that feels significantly more "end-of-the-world."
The journey begins at a well-maintained, sealed car park at the end of Slope Point Road. From here, the trail is a short, 2.4-kilometre return trip that takes most people about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you spend staring at the horizon. The terrain is deceptively simple—you're essentially walking across private pastoral land. It’s an easy, mostly flat stroll across open paddocks, making it a fantastic option for families with kids who need to burn off some energy.
However, don't let the "easy" rating fool you into thinking it's a walk in the park. The true challenge here isn't the elevation—which is a mere 30 metres—but the elements. This is an incredibly exposed route. As you move away from the shelter of your car, you’ll immediately feel the presence of the "Roaring Forties." These powerful westerly winds have travelled thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean with nothing to stop them until they hit this very coastline.
The most striking feature of the walk is the famous "wind-sculpted" trees. These gnarled macrocarpas have been battered by southerly gales for decades, causing them to grow at impossible angles. Their branches are permanently swept northward, looking like frozen waves of timber. Walking past these resilient giants gives you a profound sense of the environmental forces at play here. As you approach the cliffs, the sound of the ocean grows from a distant hum to a thunderous roar, and the salty mist begins to dance on the air. It’s an invigorating, sensory experience that reminds you exactly how small we are in the face of nature.
The undeniable "hero" of this trail is the yellow AA signpost at the end of the track. Standing solitary against the backdrop of the vast Southern Ocean, this signpost marks the geographical achievement of reaching the southernmost point. It lists the distances to the Equator (5,140km) and the South Pole (4,803km). Taking a photo here is a rite of passage for any traveller exploring the South Island. It’s a poignant reminder that you are actually closer to the Antarctic ice than you are to the tropical heat of the equator.
A free, sealed car park is available at the end of Slope Point Road, marking the start of the walking track.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Eudyptula minor
These are the world's smallest penguins, known for their unique slate-blue feathers that help them camouflage in the ocean.
Best time: Year-round
Morus serrator
These impressive large seabirds are renowned for their spectacular plunge-diving technique, hitting the water at high speeds to catch fish.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
Beyond the signpost, the rugged cliff-top views are spectacular. The cliffs drop vertically into the churning sea below, where massive swells crash against the dark, ancient rock. On a clear day, the horizon is seemingly endless, and if luck is on your side, you can catch a glimpse of the blue-grey silhouette of Stewart Island (Rakiura) across the Foveaux Strait.
The sculpted macrocarpa trees mentioned earlier are also a major highlight. They aren't just a natural curiosity; they are a photographer’s dream. The way the light filters through their twisted, skeletal branches during the "golden hour" creates an eerie, ethereal atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else in Aotearoa.
Slope Point is located in the Catlins region, roughly midway between Invercargill and Balclutha. If you are driving the Southern Scenic Route, it is a mandatory detour.
To get there, turn off the main highway onto Waikawa-Curio Bay Road, and then follow the signs for Slope Point Road. The road is partially unsealed in sections, but it is generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, including campervans. Follow Slope Point Road to its very end, where you will find a free, sealed car park.
The track starts directly from the car park. Please keep in mind that this walk crosses private farmland. The landowners are incredibly generous to allow public access, so stay on the marked track, leave gates as you find them, and be mindful of the sheep.
Important Note: The track is strictly closed for lambing season from September 1st to November 1st every year. If you’re visiting during the spring, you’ll need to admire the coastline from the road, as access to the point is prohibited to protect the vulnerable new lambs.
The Catlins is a haven for native New Zealand wildlife, and Slope Point is no exception. While the winds might keep some smaller birds tucked away, the coastal cliffs are a playground for seabirds.
Keep an eye out for the Australasian Gannet (Takapu) and the Red-billed Gull (Tarapunga), which can often be seen diving into the swells or soaring effortlessly on the updrafts created by the cliffs. You might also spot the Variable Oystercatcher (Tōrea-pango) poking around the rocky edges.
If you’re lucky and quiet, you may encounter the New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi) fluttering amongst the grasses of the paddock. For those with a keen eye for the ocean, the Little Blue Penguin (Kororā) is occasionally spotted in the water or near the base of the cliffs, though they are usually more active at dusk.
The rarest prize of all is the Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho). While they are more commonly seen at nearby Curio Bay, they do occasionally frequent this stretch of coast. If you are lucky enough to see one, please give it at least 20 metres of space and never block its path to the sea.
Slope Point is a destination that changes dramatically with the seasons, but because of its southern latitude, you should always be prepared for "four seasons in one day."
The Catlins, or Te Akau Tai Toka, is an area rich in both Māori and colonial history. To Māori, this coastline was a vital source of mahinga kai (food gathering), with the sea providing an abundance of fish and seals. The region is also geologically significant; it’s part of the Southland Syncline, and just down the road at Curio Bay, you can find a petrified forest dating back to the Jurassic period—one of only three such sites in the world.
The name "Slope Point" is literal, referring to the way the land slopes down toward the sea, but for locals, it represents the resilience of the southern spirit. The farmers who work this land deal with some of the harshest conditions in the country, and the twisted trees have become a symbol of that "bend but don't break" attitude.
After braving the winds of the south, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. While Slope Point is remote, there are some fantastic local spots to refuel:
Slope Point is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s the feeling of standing at the threshold of the world, with nothing but salt spray and the great southern wilderness for company. Whether you're a local Southlander or a tourist from afar, it’s a place that stays with you long after you’ve left the car park.
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus
This native New Zealand gull is a common sight in coastal towns, easily identified by its bright red bill, eye-ring, and legs.
Best time: Year-round
Haematopus unicolor
Coastal wading bird with a distinctive long orange-red bill. Found on beaches and estuaries around New Zealand.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
This is New Zealand's largest native bird of prey, commonly seen soaring over open tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Megadyptes antipodes
One of the rarest penguins in the world, hoiho nest in the bushy headlands of the Otago Peninsula and are most likely seen in the late afternoon as they return to shore after a day of fishing.
Best time: Year-round