Tautuku Peninsula facts for kids
.jpg)
Tautuku Peninsula is a cool rocky area of land that sticks out into the ocean. You can find it in a beautiful part of New Zealand called the Catlins, which is on the south coast of Otago in the South Island. It's about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Waikawa, right at the western end of Tautuku Bay.
A Look Back in Time
For a few years, from 1839 to 1846, there was a whaling station near the peninsula. This was a place where people would hunt whales. Later, a port was built here to help with fishing, and to transport flax and timber from the area. When these industries slowed down, the port was closed.
Amazing Wildlife
Today, you might be lucky enough to see southern right whales around the peninsula. These large whales are slowly returning to these waters. You can also spot New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins, also known as hoiho, on the beaches. Sometimes, other visitors like leopard seals also come to the area.
Just north of the peninsula, the Tautuku River meets the sea in an area called an estuary. This is a special place where you can find fernbirds. There's a short walking path from the Outdoor Education Centre, right next to the Southern Scenic Route, that goes through this wetland area. Part of the path is a boardwalk, making it easy to explore the jointed rush plants.
Visiting Tautuku Peninsula
There are many holiday cottages, called "cribs," on the peninsula. However, getting to them can be a bit of an adventure! Most people reach them using a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a tractor, as there are no regular roads leading directly to the peninsula. The only ways to get there are by crossing the mouth of the Fleming River or walking along Tautuku Beach.
If you want a fantastic view, there's a signposted lookout point on Florence Hill, right beside the Southern Scenic Route road. From here, you can see a wonderful view south over Tautuku Bay and the Tautuku Peninsula.
See also
In Spanish: Península Tautuku para niños
