Owaka

Discover Owaka: Gateway to the Catlins

Owaka is the northern gateway to the Catlins, located 35 km south of Balclutha along the Southern Scenic Route. Just 4 km from the Pacific Ocean coast at Pounawea, Owaka is ideally positioned for exploring the Catlins region, with most attractions within a 40-minute drive. Despite its small population of around 300, Owaka is the largest town in the Catlins, highlighting the area's sparse population and remote quality.

Local Amenities and Attractions

Though small, Owaka has several eateries, a grocery store, and various shops and services. The town features an excellent museum and information centre. For a touch of southern quirkiness, visit the teapot house, Dougie’s Collection, and the Owaka Man Cave at the Catlins Country Store. Accommodation options include freedom camping van parks near the pub and a commercial campground 4 km away at Pounawea.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

Owaka, meaning "the place of canoes," is steeped in history. Its name reflects its proximity to the Owaka River, which meets the Catlins River just 3 km from the town near the coast. Māori have been active in the region since the 1300s, utilising the forests for waka construction and the abundant moa as a food source until the early 1600s.

Even after the moa's extinction, the Catlins Lake estuary and tidal flats around Pounawea provided resources for the Māori migratory lifestyle. The museum and information centre showcase an exhibition on Les Lockerbie, a pioneer in using carbon dating to understand Moahunter Māori culture.

European Influence and Development

Europeans arrived in the region to hunt whales and seals and later to harvest logs from the vast forests of southeast Otago and Southland. Established in 1865, the town was initially named Catlins River and then Quakerfield before adopting the more meaningful name of Owaka, reflecting its focus on shipping and sawmilling. A gunpowder factory operated until it exploded in 1885. Access to rivers and the coast was crucial, with goods transported by coastal boats. A large stylised steel waka in the town centre commemorates this shared history.

The arrival of the Catlins Railway Line in 1896 expanded forestry and farming. However, as roads improved, the coastal trade and wharves disappeared, and the railway line closed in 1971. Today, you can see the railway town sign in front of the old station location, now a charming town garden on the Southern Scenic Route heading southwest.

Transition to a Travel Destination

As forestry declined, pastoral farming became dominant, requiring less employment. Owaka transitioned into a service centre and gradually declined until the Catlins emerged as a travel destination. Now, Owaka provides everything you need for a trip, while maintaining its quiet charm.