Rugged coastline and other stunning scenery enthralled participants in Saturday's Catlins Great Escape Coastal Walk through the south Catlins.
About 70 people took part in the five-hour, 14km walk along the coastline from Otara to Weirs Beach.
Catlins Coast Inc projects co-ordinator Kim Dodds said it was the first time the walk, most of which was on private land, had included this area.
The walk featured rugged coastline, participants walking along remote beaches, coastline clifftops, through native bush and over farmland.
It also featured the South Island's southernmost point, Slope Point.
The Department of Conservation opened the Waipapa Point lighthouse, which was a ''unique treat'', Mrs Dodds said.
Helen Gilder, of Waitepeka, and her husband Peter have been on all five walks under the Great Escape banner.
''They are always well organised, and we enjoy exploring our coastline.''
While all the walks covered beautiful scenery, last year's walk from Purakaunui Bay to Papatowai was her favourite, she said.
''We had great weather and amazing scenery. The rugged coastline is so beautiful,'' Mrs Gilder said.
There were several others who had also been on all the walks, she said.
Registrations are still open for the group's next event, the Catlins Great Escape Bike Journey on April 12 and 13.
The event will be held on private farmland south of Owaka, near the old railway line and the Catlins River.
