South Otago

From Wikitravel

South Otago is one of the regions of Otago, a province in New Zealand

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The Catlins River walk is one of the best-kept secrets around. It is absolutely beautiful and costs nothing except the fuel to get to Tawanui camping-group from where the five-hour walk starts. You really need a car at the other end (The Wisp) so that you don't have a ten-hour tramp!) Swap keys at the half-way point and meet back at Owaka. If you're lucky you might see a Mohua (yellow-head) a rare and beautiful little native bird. You will certainly see some tomtits which, clinging to tree-trunks look for all the world like black and white butterflies. The bed of the river in places is sheer rock which gives it a unique look. There are some scary wire bridges but no-one has fallen in off one as far as we know. The Catlins is coming into its own with the completion of the sealing of the Southern Scenic Route. When you try it make sure that you see the Purakanui Falls. The primeval forest leading to them is worth the trip alone.