Curio Bay

Curio Bay sits on the wild Catlins coast at the bottom of the South Island, famous for a 180-million-year-old petrified forest exposed at low tide and the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) that waddle up the beach in the evening. Hector's dolphins often surf neighbouring Porpoise Bay.

The camping is community-run and right on the headland, so you're steps from the penguin viewing at dusk. It's remote and weather-exposed — bring everything you need and give the wildlife plenty of space.

The petrified forest is only visible at low tide, so check the tide times before you plan your day — at high water there is nothing to see. Penguins come ashore in the hour before dusk and the viewing area has a rope line you must stay behind; if a bird is on the path, wait rather than walk past. The Catlins are exposed and the weather changes fast, so bring layers even in February.