Balclutha offers a variety of activities, check out some of our recommendations below
Balclutha – the Gaelic name for “Town on the Clyde” – is situated on the banks of the mighty Clutha River.
Balclutha is also the gateway to the Catlins Coast and Southern Scenic Route. Balclutha is approximately 80km to Dunedin (1 hour travelling time) and 55km to Dunedin Airport (45min travelling time).
While in Balclutha you might like to...
Museum
Just past the Balclutha Bridge you will find the South Otago Museum where you can view domestic and industrial heritage reflecting 150 years of pioneer activity in the South Otago area
Drives
Take a drive along the river to visit the Tuapeka Punt and continue your drive to Beaumont and return.
Visit the little towns within the Clutha Country District
Lawrence
The town of Lawrence, originally named Tuapeka was once the centre of one of the world’s largest gold rushes, being the first gold rush town in Otago.
Beaumont
This small town offers excellent fishing and hunting, biking and hiking. The famous historic bridge is the longest and oldest single span structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
Kaitangata
If you love the water then you will love Kaitangata or “Kai” as it is affectionately known for its boating, fishing and seasonal whitebaiting. Nearby Lake Tuakitoto and the small island of Inch Clutha are a bird watchers delight with ducks, wild geese and even herons.
Tapanui
Tapanui, located in West Otago, is a friendly farming town with thriving independent shops, the Pomahaka River running through and the Blue Mountains providing a beautiful backdrop. There are plenty of terrific trails for walkers and mountain bikers.
Owaka
Owaka is The Catlins’ biggest town with a population of 400 people. Lush rainforest, spectacular steep valleys, amazing sandy beaches and a large tidal lake surround this town.
Clinton
Surrounded by gentle rolling hills, Clinton is a small rural town in South Otago famous for its sculpture of five Clydesdale horses representing the area’s rich agricultural history.
The Catlins and Southern Scenic Route
Natural Beauty
A place of great natural beauty, where dense native forest gives way to open scrub country, with inlets, rocky coastal bays, sandy beaches, estuaries and deep valleys.
Marvel at the spectacular scenery as you travel these unique places – many still in their natural untouched beauty.
Wildlife
Experience the wildlife – yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, Hooker’s sea lions – all in their natural surroundings.
Birds
Seabirds and native birds (tui, bellbird, native pigeons, etc) can all be seen throughout the area.
