Papatowai Campsite, Catlins

A DOC campsite in the small coastal settlement of Papatowai in the Catlins, beside the Tahakopa River estuary and a long sandy beach. The DOC Campsite Pass can be used here.

Short walks from the village lead through rainforest to the coast, and nearby are the Catlins' highlights: Purakaunui Falls, the Cathedral Caves (at low tide), McLean Falls, and the sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins along the coast. The Lost Gypsy Gallery, a quirky collection of handmade gadgets in a bus, is in Papatowai.