It was certainly a surprise when Paul and Lynn Bridson, owners of the Whistling Frog Cafe at the Catlins McLean Falls Eco Tourism Park looked out to see a giant Unbelievable Flying Ohmygosh landing at their helipad.

War of the Worlds  in the Catlins?

No.

Jan and John Owen from Western Australia, just happened to be piloting their own privately chartered $500,000 Robertson Helicopter. They were visiting the scenic Catlins Coastline, complete with backpacks in the backseat!  John said he and his wife Jan, had started their journey in the Coromandel's and made it as far as the Catlins by this morning.  Landing at the private helipad of Paul and Lynn Bridson, who own the Whistling Frog Cafe and Holiday Park, at McLean Falls, they told of their adventures to date and were particularly impressed by the rugged beauty of the Catlins.

Paul said he has noticed that a growing number of extremely affluent overseas visitors are finding his secret holiday hideaway, far from the mainstream attractions such as Queenstown and Wanaka.

His first season has showed that there is a pent-up visitor demand for upscale accommodation and eateries in the Clutha District. The Holiday Park is proving a big drawcard with it's own on-site eatery and bar.

Philip Richards of Surrey, UK, said on a Park survey card recently: "We have been in NZ for 16 days in our campervan and this is by far the best Park, having an excellent restaurant with a bar - unusual - it swung it for us as a place to say. Food fantastic. Reasonably priced. Will stay here again definitely! "

Paul said that based on customer feedback, the Catlins are going to be seeing increasing numbers of overseas visitors, with Australians, Brits and Europeans forming the main contingent.  He thinks this will benefit feeder towns such as Dunedin, Balclutha and Invercargill.

The Frog was impressed. You will be too.

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