Exploring Cannibal Bay in the Catlins
Cannibal Bay is a stunning, remote beach located in the Catlins region of New Zealand. Known for its beautiful gold-to-white sand, the bay is situated north of Owaka.
Features and Attractions
Upon arrival, visitors will find a toilet near the car park, but no other facilities are available. The bay is accessible via a short walk through the dunes, revealing a picturesque landscape. To the left, high hills and cliffs feature rock pools and piles of kelp visible as the tide recedes. To the right, a 1 km stretch of beach leads to False Islet at the southern end. This islet resembles a face when viewed from the northern end of the beach. Visitors should be cautious of pakake (sea lions) on and near the beach, maintaining a distance of at least 10 metres.
A marked track at the south end of the beach leads through the dunes behind False Islet, connecting Cannibal Bay to Surat Bay. In summer, the dunes are adorned with yellow lupin flowers, adding to the area's charm.
Surat Bay is another excellent location for spotting pakake (sea lions). It is important to note that pakake may also venture into the dunes.
Historical Context
The name Cannibal Bay is intriguing, stemming from an 1800s surveyor's discovery of burnt human remains. However, there is no historical evidence of cannibalism in the area.
How to Get There
To reach Cannibal Bay, travel 3.7 km north on the Southern Scenic Route, then head southeast on the 8 km gravel Cannibal Bay Road. Although the road is well-surfaced, it is narrow and winding in some areas, offering fabulous views along the way. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes.
To return to Owaka, retrace your route back along Cannibal Bay Road. Alternatively, continue northwest on Cannibal Bay Road to Ahuriri Flat Road, which leads back to Owaka or towards Kaka Point and Nugget Point. This route is short yet scenic, offering spectacular views back to the bay.
