Not far from our camping spot the night before is Curio Bay. This is an internationally significant area with a 180 million year old Fossil Forest recognised as one of the best examples of Jurassic Fossil Forest in the world. A viewing platform looks over the whole area and access down onto the rocks and forest is available to anyone able to walk down the newly constructed set of DOC steps. A series of interpretation boards provides plenty of information about how the area was formed as well as information about the wildlife that can be seen. If you are there at the right time it is possible to see the Hoiho or yellow eyed penguin, as well as seals and sea-lions. The petrified forest was formed during the Jurassic Period and grew at a time when there was a semi-tropical climate and before grasses and flowering plants had come into existence.
Petrified forests of this age are very few throughout the world and this is one of the most extensive and least disturbed. It stretches over 20km from Curio Bay to Slope Point. At low tide the tree stumps and logs are exposed and visible.
Across the road from the car park is a newly formed 15 minute loop track, The Curio Bay Walkway. In fact it won't be officially opened until July this year. This area has been recently fenced from grazing stock so the undergrowth is almost non-existent at this stage. The young pole-rimu stands are just starting their growth and are very dense. There is more established Kamahi and manuka wetlands so in years to come this area will be an added asset to the area.
The other must see is the Curio Bay Camping Ground and the safe swimming beach. The bay is home to the endangered Hector Dolphins and if you are prepared to brave the cold waters it is possible to swim with them.
Curio Bay is also an excellent camping spot where you can safely shelter among the flax.
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