CATLINS ECOTOUR PACKAGE
We provide a fully catered experience for you over two days and three nights. Stay in one of our luxurious private cottages and have all your meals provided by us. Spend one day guided as an introduction to the coast and forests of the diverse Catlins.On your second day we provide you with advice and a delicious lunch to do what you like - relax or explore at your own pace.
The guided activities are tailored to your interests and abilities and include rare wildlife such as yellow eyed penguins and sealions as well as forest, shore and seabirds. Local stories we tell include the geological history of some of the oldest sedimentary rocks of New Zealand, and a human history rich in anecdote of Maori and the European pioneers.
We offer a professional personal service. We have known The Catlins from childood. We both have masters degrees from Otago University, and we have welcomed small groups to share our home and area for over twenty years. We offer true quality as is shown by our reputation. We are past winners of NZ Ecotourism and Activity and Adventure awards and are highly recommended by the ROUGH GUIDE and LONELY PLANET guide books.
The Catlins is one of New Zealand's outstanding forest and marine wildlife areas.
Guests without their own transport can arrange to be picked up in Balclutha where there are public transport services.
We operate to an environmental code. + click here for information.
+ Click here to see pictures of what we offer on our tours.
Book now: CATLINS ECOTOUR PACKAGE PRICE: $730. Click here to check availability and make a booking.
Accommodation on our ecotours
Mohua Park, where tour guests stay with us, is located on a hill-top in the scenic Catlins River valley. You stay in your own private luxury cottage overlooking forest and farmland. A few minutes from your cottage you can be walking in the varied forests and gardens of Mohua Park. There are many native and other birds to be seen nearby and we have a library of books and magazines with an emphasis on natural history. All meals are provided for the duration of your stay and are home style at our table and with any other guests. Meals are made with fresh ingredients and special dietary or privacy needs can be catered for. We supply binoculars for each guest and have outdoor clothing and boots for you to borrow. You might also like to buy our special post cards, books, DVD's or Fergus's artwork.
Conservation contribution on our ecotours
You will be contributing to conservation of wildlife on every tour. We make wildlife observations and the Department of Conservation receives concession income for everyone that we take on our tour. We work with volunteers on specific projects for penguins, plant and history conservation. We work to a code of sustainable environmental practice. We are sensitive to the cultural environment that we live in.
Contact us if you are interested in helping us with our conservation work with penguins, mohua and habitat restoration.
Itinerary for Ecotours
1. Arrive at Mohua Park in the evening for a shared dinner with your hosts where plans are made for the following days.
2. Second day: Full day guided tour.
3. Third day: Free to explore the Catlins or relax at Mohua Park
4. Fourth day: Finish after breakfast on the fourth day. We can arrange for your connections and give advice on on-going travel.
There are same day connections on transport services to and from Balclutha to Dunedin, Invercargill or Te Anau. We can arrange transport and accommodation for you.
+ Click here to see a map of the southern South Island
+ Click here to see more information on public transport links to and from Balclutha
PRICE PER PERSON FOR OUR ECOTOURS 2011-12
(Includes food and accommodation, guiding, transport, taxes & Dept of Conservation concession.)
Two day tour (3 nights)...............$NZ 730
Book now: Email (info@catlins-ecotours.co.nz) us to obtain more information or make a booking.
Quotes from writers and guests about our ecotours
"To walk with the Sutherlands along these lonely beaches is akin to taking a guided tour of a renaissance cathedral; but here the treasures are the fossils, the middens left by Maori communities, the yellow eyed penguins, the ancient podocarp forests full of rimu, totara, matai and rata and the kingfishers, tuis and bellbirds."
Cate Brett, NORTH AND SOUTH MAGAZINE.
"With their backgrounds as teachers and conservationists, and their infectious enthusiasm for the region, the Sutherlands make perfect guides."
Lawrence Hertzog, 'Moving with Care through the Catlins' PACIFIC WAY MAGAZINE.
"Kindly, genial and knowledgable hosts. A wonderful area to explore. I have learnt so much that I would not otherwise have known, it was so interesting and rewarding. Fergus and Mary could not do enough for us. This is an enchanted land, I shall recommend it to my friends."
Guest January 2009
"...a benchmark of excellence for ecotourism operators ... demonstrating a practical commitment to conservation and noted for the excellent small group experience they give to visitors - guaranteeing maximum enjoyment and an educational experience.
Judge's comments, NEW ZEALAND ECOTOURISM AWARDS, 1993.
1. For information on our self-catering accommodation cottages at Mohua Park in The Catlins River Valley+ click here
2. For information on our self-catering accommodation cottages at Papatowai+ click here
3. For information on our two day/three night guided walk across The Catlins (Catlins Traverse) + Click here
4. For information on our WORK BREAK conservation work opportunities+ click here
Contact us:
Catlins Wildlife Trackers
Papatowai RD 2, Owaka,
South Otago, New Zealand
Ph/fax: (03)415 8613, Toll free: 0800CATLINS
Email: info@catlins-ecotours.co.nz.
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