Backpacker Hostels in Catlins, New Zealand

The Catlins are located at the very south of New Zealand's South Island, and it is totally worth it to come here if you want to experience the nature from a very sweet side. This place is really famous because you can see and experience New Zealand's wildlife -- down here you can find seals; sea lions; penguins; and the world's rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector Dolphins (there are only around three thousand of them left).

The best area in the Catlins to see this wildlife is Curio Bay -- here you can also stay overnight, as there are different Catlins hostels available and a big campground right on the beach. It might be useful to make a booking for your Catlins hostels in advance, at least in the high season. For the accommodations in the Catlins, you might find they cost more than in other places in New Zealand, as there aren't too many budget hostels in Catlins.

The largest town in the Catlins is Owaka, with less than four hundred people; in general, you should try to buy some food in the supermarkets before coming here, as it is not always easy to find a supermarket close to your Catlins hostel and if you do find something, it's definitely more expensive.

If you are planning to do some surfing or swimming with dolphins, Porpoise Bay is a good and safe spot to enjoy that. There are multiple small walks or hikes all around the Catlins to see nice waterfalls and impressive forests. The names and exact location of all of them you can find on the Department Of Conservation Website or an informational brochure at your Catlins hostel. Nugget Point is a really picturesque place to go; with its turquoise water, rocks out of the water, and the lighthouse on top, it will probably stay in your mind for a long time. Also, Slope Point, the southern-most point of New Zealand's South Island, with its special wind-shaped trees, is worth a visit.