Slope Point

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.

Getting There

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.

Wildlife Spotting

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.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

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."

• Best Seasons: Summer and Autumn (December to May) offer the most stable weather and the best chances for clear views of Stewart Island. Winter can be brutally cold but provides the most dramatic seas and a true sense of the "wild south."
• Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography. Sunset at Slope Point is particularly magical, as the sky turns shades of bruised purple and fiery orange over the Southern Ocean.
• What to Bring: Even on a sunny day, the wind at the point can be biting. A windproof and waterproof jacket is essential. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the track across the paddock can become muddy after rain.
• Sun Protection: Don't let the cool breeze fool you—the NZ sun is fierce. Wear sunscreen and a hat (though make sure it has a chin strap, or the wind will claim it!).
• Safety: Stay well back from the cliff edges. The ground can be slippery, and the gusts of wind are unpredictable.

Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

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:

• The Niagara Falls Cafe: Located in a converted old schoolhouse in nearby Niagara, this cafe is a local favourite. They serve excellent coffee and hearty lunches. It’s the perfect place to warm up by the fire in the cooler months.
• The Blue Cod Shack (Curio Bay): If you’re looking for a classic Kiwi experience, head to Curio Bay for some of the freshest Blue Cod and chips you’ll ever eat. There’s nothing quite like eating hot chips while watching the waves.
• Waikawa Museum & Teapot Land: For a bit of quirky local culture, stop in at Waikawa. The museum offers great insights into the area’s logging and whaling history, while Teapot Land is exactly what it sounds like—a fascinating and eccentric private garden filled with hundreds of teapots.

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.