Petrified Forest Walk
Located in Curio Bay/Porpoise Bay in the Southland region
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Introduction
Easy access track to a well located viewing platform overlooking the famous petrified forest. Look out for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.150 m return via same track
Image gallery
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Petrified Forest Walk Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
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Petrified Forest Walk Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
![Rockpools at Petrified Forest Walk.]( "Rockpools at Petrified Forest Walk.")
This short, sealed track provides access from the roadside parking area through mature flax to a viewing platform overlooking the fossilised remains of an ancient forest. Interesting sign panels at the view point, explain the history and significance of the petrified forest.
At low tide the petrified forest can be explored- access via the steps from the viewing platform.
The track is wheelchair/buggy friendly to the viewing platform.
Curio Bay is signposted from the Southern Scenic Route, which follows SH 92 through the Catlins from Invercargill to Balclutha.
No drones are allowed at the fossil forest.
In the summer Hector's dolphins/papakanua play in the surf. Yellow-eyed penguins/hoioho nest in the area around Curio Bay/Waikaawa and fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water along the coastline.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| invercargill@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |