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| The Catlins | |
 | |
| Location of the Catlins in New Zealand's South Island | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Country: | New Zealand |
| Island: | South Island |
| Statistics | |
| Population: | 3,640 (June 2023)[1] |
| Area: | 2,454.81 km2 (950 sq mi)[2] |
| Location | |
| Coordinates: | 46°30′S 169°30′E / 46.500°S 169.500°E |
| Administration | |
| Regions: | Otago and Southland |
| Districts: | Clutha District and Southland District |
| Main towns and settlements: | Owaka, Papatowai, Waikawa, Tokanui, Kaka Point, Fortrose |
| Parliamentary electorate: | Clutha-Southland |
| |
The Catlins (sometimes referred to as The Catlins Coast) comprises an area in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand.[3] The area lies between Balclutha and Invercargill, straddling the boundary between the Otago and Southland regions. It includes the South Island's southernmost point, Slope Point.
A rugged, sparsely populated area, the Catlins features a scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest, both of which harbour many endangered species of birds, most notably the rare yellow-eyed penguin. The coast attracts numerous marine mammals, among them New Zealand fur seals and Hooker's sea lions. In general terms the area enjoys a maritime temperate climate. Its exposed location leads to its frequently wild weather and heavy ocean swells, which are an attraction to big-wave surfers, and have also caused numerous shipwrecks.
People have lived in the area since around 1350 AD. Prior to European settlement, the region was sparsely inhabited by nomadic groups of Māori, most of whom lived close to river mouths. In the early days of European settlement the area was frequented by whalers and sealers, and saw milling became a major local industry from the mid-19th century until the 1930s.
Tourism has become of growing importance in the Catlins economy, which otherwise relies heavily on dairy farming and fishing.
The region's population has fallen to less than half its peak in the early 20th century. Some 1,200 people now live in the Catlins, many of them in the settlement of Owaka. This is linked to population centres to the north and southwest via the area's only major road, part of the Southern Scenic Route. Owaka contains the area's main school, the Catlins Area School, catering for students from year 1 to year 13. There are three other small primary schools throughout the Catlins district. Owaka also has a medical centre, the nearest hospital being in Balclutha. The Catlins is governed at local level as part of the Clutha and Southland Districts and is represented at national level as part of the Clutha-Southland electorate.
- ^ "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Areawas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ The Catlins. Archived 22 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 12 November 2010.