Relax and recharge by exploring nature’s wonders in the lower South Island
Richie and Gemma McCaw take some time to actively recharge in Fiordland and the Catlins.
The McCaws are embracing the call to “do something new, New Zealand.” After an action-packed getaway to his wife’s old neck of the woods – Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty – Richie was suitably impressed at what the North Island had to offer.
Next up on their tiki tour of the country in partnership with Tourism New Zealand was Fiordland and the Catlins coast. Here, the couple got a taste of a quieter but no less incredible part of the country.
HIDDEN HANKINSON TRIP WITH FIORDLAND OUTDOORS CO.
The first pit stop for Richie and Gemma was one of the highlights of their trip, immersing them in the enchanting natural landscapes Fiordland is so well-known for.
Starting out on a private boat trip across Lake Te Anau, they stepped ashore and took a short walk through lush beech forest to the glacial Lake Hankinson. From here, a second boat ride took them even deeper into the Fiordland wilderness to Hankinson Hut, one of the oldest backcountry huts in the region.
“The serenity of the hut was pretty special,” remembers Richie. “It doesn’t take long to get totally away from civilisation and into the wilderness of Fiordland.”
As with their getaway to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, one of the best parts of Gemma and Richie’s experience was hearing from locals passionate about the area.
“[Fiordland Outdoors Co guide] Michelle was a wealth of knowledge and it was amazing to hear all of her stories and what she does to help protect the whenua (land),” said Richie. “Her local insights were incredible, especially being able to describe local flora and fauna as well as an array of birdlife. Her passion was unwavering and it made you want to explore so much more of the area.”
Also on board for their Fiordland adventure was wildlife photographer William Patino, who shared his professional tips on how to capture the beauty of the surroundings on camera.
MOHUA PARK ECO LODGE
Next up was the Catlins, a quiet corner of the South Island known for its rugged beauty and unique wildlife.
Nestled on the fringes of an 8 hectare conservation forest in the Catlins is Mohua Park Eco Lodge. The lodge features self-contained eco cottages overlooking rolling farmland and beautiful bush.
According to Richie, it would be "a great place to unwind from the business of normal life and enjoy the surroundings."
Part of the accommodation’s charm lies in the hospitality of its hosts, locals Lyndon and Gill McKenzie.
“We loved spending time with this couple – they were so down to earth and they had us laughing with so many great stories,” Richie recalls.
An abundance of rare wildlife calls the Catlins coastline home, including the endangered hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin). As part of their stay at Mohua Park Eco Lodge, Gemma and Richie were taken on a guided wildlife tour led by host Lyndon to a secluded bay where they encountered NZ sea lions and learned about the special creatures that call this part of Aotearoa home.
NUGGET POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Topping off their experience in the Catlins was a trip to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, named after the rocks shaped like pieces of gold that the structure perches above.
Richie and Gemma took the time to snap some photos and enjoy a magical sunset.
“It’s a spectacular outlook and a really special spot to enjoy and appreciate,” says Richie.
It was a peaceful end to a getaway not quite as action-packed as the kayaking, mountain biking and fishing they did in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty. Nevertheless, their experience in the lower South Island was just as memorable.
“These places have a lot of the untouched beauty of New Zealand. You feel like you get totally away from everyday life and get to experience nature at its finest,” says Gemma. “It’s a different experience from other places as there is the tranquility of being out in nature with no one around, and it’s so refreshing!”
MCCAWS TOP TIPS ON ENJOYING A LONG WEEKEND IN THE LOWER SOUTH ISLAND
1. Slow down: “Take time to enjoy each stop and really take it in. If you try to pack in too much in one day, you will feel rushed but taking your time helps you enjoy each place as you go.”
2. Trust the locals: “Look for local tour guides and operators as they always know the spots and the hidden gems too. They are what make the experience truly memorable!”
Watch the McCaws on tour in Fiordland and the Catlins on PlayStuff. For more inspiration to plan your own getaway to the lower South Island, visit newzealand.com/nz/