Just a few kilometres from Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island, nestled in the Catlins lie the magical Curio and Porpoise Bays. A small detour from the Southern Scenic Route guides you to a slice of paradise. The area is rich with wildlife, scenic beauty and heritage. Points of interest include a Jurassic Petrified forest, bush walks, swimming, surfing, kayaking and endless Southern Ocean views. The Waikawa Museum highlights the whaling, logging and pioneering heritage of this fertile region. Hector’s Dolphin visit annually from October through to March (occasionally April). You will be able to watch them teach their young to surf the waves just in front of CLOUD9. Walk down the road to the Petrified Forest at the end of the day to watch the Yellow-eyed penguins return onto the rock shelf from a day of fishing to preen and make their way into the flax to feed their hidden hungry chicks. The Niagara Falls Café, a short drive away offers delicious meals +64 3 2468 577. http://www.niagarafallscafe.co.nz/ Invercargill (the gateway to Stewart Island) and Bluff are one hour further West, down the track. Invercargill offers a little of everything anyone could ever want, including an airport to take you to the less favoured locations in the world. Dunedin lies three hours to the North. It is a thriving City with the world class University of Otago and a rich cultural heritage. Queenstown is also about three hours away, a bustling resort destination loved by many. The Southern part of the South Island will become an everlasting memory but nothing will surpass your time at CLOUD9.