The Catlins Great Escape Coastal Walk ends with a tour of
the Waipapa Point lighthouse. Photo by S Butler, Department
of Conservation.
Two Catlins events are becoming more popular, with
organisers attributing a growing interest in the area to movies
filmed there.
In 2009, Tourism Catlins launched the ''Catlins Great Escape
Bike Journey'', adding sister event the ''Catlins Great
Escape Coastal Walk'' in 2010. Tourism Catlins projects
co-ordinator Kim Dodds said the group had fielded significant
interest in both events.
''We've had heaps of inquiries from Queenstown, Central
Otago, and Southland. People are really interested in what we
have to offer.''
Mrs Dodds said interest had increased with the success of New
Zealand film Two Little Boys, which was filmed in the
Catlins.
The Catlins is no stranger to the silver screen, with the
2005 movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe also
filmed there.
This year, the coastal walk will be on February 2 in the
south Catlins area, and is expected to take about four hours.
The route will go along the coastline from Fortrose to
Waipapa Point, finishing with a tour of the Waipapa Point
Lighthouse.
''There's beautiful rugged coastline there, so the view will
be amazing.''
The 2013 bike journey on April 20-21 will tour locations
highlighted in Two Little Boys. The journey will run
between Curio Bay and Nugget Point, with a maximum of 100
people.
''It's also exciting that this will be the first year the
Cathedral Caves will be open at the same time as the bike
journey. The tides will be right, so we'll be visiting there
as part of the trip.''
Mrs Dodds said the roads around the Catlins were bustling
with tourists visiting the area, despite a wet start to the
new year.
Participants can register online at www.catlins.org.nz
- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz
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