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Curio/Porpoise Bay is situated on the Catlins Coast about 88 km’s southeast of Invercargill. Curio Bay is sign-posted from the Southern Scenic Route, which follows State Highway 92 through the Catlins from Invercargill to Balclutha.

Curio Bay Salthouse is your only choice when it comes to accommodation on the Catlins Coast. We provide two self-catering studio units accommodating for domestic and international travelers.

The spacious open-plan units have stunning views of Porpoise Bay and the beach is at your doorstep. This brand new Motel boasts modern interior and exterior features, such as satellite television and off street parking.

No matter what season you come to visit us you will always be warm with double glazing and central heating installed throughout.

This area is probably best known for its fossilised forest, this is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossil forest in the world which when exposed at low tide can be explored. Porpoise Bay with its beautiful sandy beach is popular for both swimming and surfing. The area is also renown for its wildlife.

During the summer and autumn visitors to Curio Bay can often see the Hector’s Dolphins, one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, playing in the surf. This area is unique in that it is the only place where the dolphins come close to the shore without being enticed by people feeding them.

Several Yellow-eyed penguins nest in the area around Curio Bay, eggs are laid in September/October and both parents incubate and help rear chicks. Birds usually leave the nest for the sea early in the morning, returning late afternoon and can be viewed from the viewing platform at the camping ground.

Blue penguins nest in burrows around Porpoise Bay and are often seen leaving and returning to their burrow.

New Zealand fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water and onto the beach of Porpoise Bay and the rocks of Curio Bay.

While in the South come and visit this untouched unique part of our beautiful country and experience Curio/Porpoise Bay for yourself. We look forward to seeing you.