Can you swim in the Catlins?
DOC’s rules are stringent: “do not feed the dolphins. When swimming or kayaking do not approach them – they will come to you if they want to.” The final piece of advice is to “always enter the water at least 50 metres away from any dolphin” adding that it’s “an offence to disturb or harass any wildlife.”
Where can I swim in the Catlins?
If you’re only going to visit one beach in the Catlins, Curio Bay should be it. The beach itself is beautiful, but there’s heaps to do nearby as well, including spotting penguins, dolphins (they swim in the waves right by the beach sometimes) and a petrified forest.
What is exposed when it’s low tide at Curio Bay?
The fossilised remains of an ancient forest is exposed at Curio Bay during low tide. This is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossil forest in the world and stretches about 20 kms from Curio Bay south west to Slope Point.
When can you see penguins Curio Bay?
Late afternoon / early evening is the best time to see penguins come in from the sea, but at Curio Bay expect to see the unusual, and maybe, the unexpected.
Why is it called Cannibal Bay?
The bay was named after the sailing vessel “Surat” that was shipwrecked there in 1874. Cannibal Bay with it’s white sand and blue/green water is signposted 3 kms north of Owaka and from there about 8 kms down a gravel road. It owes it’s name to some human remains once found by a surveyor.
Can you swim in Lake Te Anau?
Lake Te Anau is a picturesque lake very popular for swimming, fishing and boating.
Are dogs allowed at Curio Bay?
Bylaw amendment bans dogs on the entire Curio Bay Reserve.
Can you fish in Lake Te Anau?
Lake Te Anau’s wide eastern coast provides boat ramps and easy shoreline access for spin and fly fishing, as well as great boat fishing for a good population of trout and a few small salmon.
Can you fish at Curio Bay?
Cod can be caught from the rocks around the campground, but please do not fish at the fossilised forest area as this poses a risk to the yellow-eyed penguins. Be aware that waves on this coast can be dangerous as they are very powerful and unpredictable.
Why do dolphins live in Porpoise Bay?
Porpoise Bay is unique in that it is the only place where dolphins come so close to the shore without being enticed by people feeding them. The Porpoise Bay population is small, consisting of fewer than 20 resident animals. They use the bay to raise their young, feed and rest. If this small group is to survive we must not disturb them.
What is the difference between dolphins and porpoises?
Dolphins and porpoises differ in their faces, fins, and body shapes. Dolphins have longer noses, bigger mouths, more curved dorsal fins, and longer, leaner bodies than porpoises.The Northeastern Offshore Spotted Dolphin, shown here, has a falcate, or sickle-shaped dorsal fin and light spotting on the belly. People use the terms dolphins,…
Is it illegal to swim in Porpoise Bay?
It is an offence to disturb or harass any native wildlife. Porpoise Bay with its beautiful sandy beach is popular for swimming and surfing. Curio Bay is signposted from the Southern Scenic Route, which follows SH92 through the Catlins from Invercargill to Balclutha.
How many different types of porpoise are there?
Most scientists agree that there are 32 dolphin species (plus five closely related species of river dolphin) and only six porpoise species. The harbor porpoise has small pointed flippers and no beak. The dorsal fin is small and triangle-shaped.