Discover Bluff: Oysters, Coastal Walks and History

Bluff: Oysters, Coast and History

Bluff brings together maritime history, coastal scenery and oyster culture. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bluff, the town’s character can help you plan your trip: you might focus on historic sites, waterside walks, wildlife watching or the oyster festival. The differences below can help you work out which themes suit your interests and the days you have available for travel.

History in the Townscape

At the top of the main street in Motupōhue / Bluff stands a statue of Sir Joseph Ward, created in 1930. William H. Feldon made it on private commission. The monument commemorates Ward’s early life and his significant influence on Bluff’s development; the site is 20 kilometres from Invercargill.

The Bluff Heritage Trail is a 20-kilometre self-guided route through 17 historic sites in Bluff, New Zealand’s southernmost town. The Bluff Maritime Museum covers topics ranging from whaling, oyster fishing and shipwrecks to the construction of the adjoining Island Harbour and the town’s history. It also features the engine from the former tugboat Awarua II as an operational interactive exhibit. The oyster boat Monica is permanently displayed beside the museum, where you can step aboard and explore it. The South Sea Spray Murals are along Gore Street.

Coastal Walks and Wildlife

Bluff Hill (Motupōhue) combines native forest, a wind-shaped coastline and bush-covered slopes. It has an extensive network of walking tracks and mountain bike trails. Another option for a walk is Greenpoint Domain: the well-maintained path takes about 15 minutes one way, and a boardwalk runs along the coast to Greenpoint.

The information about the Bluff Heritage Trail and Greenpoint Domain offers different points of reference for planning: the Heritage Trail is described by its total length and 17 historic sites, while Greenpoint is described by an approximate walking time one way and the boardwalk along the coast.

The Foveaux Walkway in Bluff offers opportunities to watch terns, shags, penguins and petrels. Tītī (sooty shearwaters) and Kōrure (diving petrels) can be seen or heard there from September to May, at dawn or dusk. If you’re especially interested in these species, this period and the requirement to visit at dawn or dusk provide specific points to consider when planning.

Oyster Festival and Harbour

The Bluff Oyster & Food Festival attracts thousands of people to Bluff each year and is usually held on the third Saturday in May. The programme includes Pacific drumming performances, kapa haka performances by students from the local school, and a day-long music programme featuring artists from across New Zealand. Food stalls serve Bluff oysters raw, cooked or in dishes such as Oyster Balls and Oyster Rockefeller. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event date for your visit.

The man-made Island Harbour in Bluff covers 40 hectares and took eight years to build. Tours are available by contacting South Port. Bluff is also an important departure point for the ferry service to Stewart Island; check current ferry times for your trip. The Southern Scenic Route is also associated with the town: Bluff is part of this route.

More to Explore in the Wider Invercargill City Destination

If your trip also includes the wider destination of Invercargill City, there are more things to explore there: Classic Motorcycle Mecca is housed in two historic buildings in the Invercargill CBD and displays more than 300 motorcycles. Bill Richardson Transport World houses more than 300 vehicles. These attractions add another perspective on the wider destination to the distinctive stories and landscapes you’ll find in Bluff.

Discover more destinations: Invercargill

Go to the wider travel overview: Invercargill City.