Tumu Toka Curioscape Campground

Tumu Toka Curioscape Campground occupies a unique coastal position at Curio Bay in the Catlins, at the southern entrance to one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural areas. The campground offers around 32 powered and over 80 non-powered sites nestled among natural alleys of flax, which provide sheltered and private pitches overlooking Porpoise Bay’s swimming beach. The site caters for tents, campervans, and caravans.

A purpose-built amenities building houses a full kitchen and dining space, laundry facilities, and showers. The campground also has an on-site cafe and restaurant, a camp shop stocking basic food items and supplies, and the Gateway Experience, a world-class interpretive centre with interactive exhibits and an immersive theatre sharing the stories of Curio Bay’s wildlife, people, and geological history. No dump station is available on site, with the nearest located at Tokanui, approximately 30 minutes’ drive away. Dogs are not permitted due to the sensitive nature of the environment.

Curio Bay is home to a 180-million-year-old petrified forest visible at low tide, one of the most significant fossil sites in the world. Visitors can watch endangered hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) returning to their nests at dusk, spot rare Hector’s dolphins surfing the waves of Porpoise Bay, and encounter New Zealand sea lions that occasionally visit the campground. The swimming beach is safe for families, and the surrounding Catlins coastline offers further exploration opportunities including walks, fishing, and wildlife viewing.