Tokanui: History and Orientation

Tokanui is a service centre for the South Catlins community. Choosing it as a destination brings together a specific regional connection and a distinctive local history. Tokanui was settled around 1883; from 1911 to 1966, the town was an important railway stop for more than 40 years. The settlement period and the subsequent railway era provide two different reference points for understanding its history.

History and Practical Information

The more direct route to Curio Bay passes through Tokanui and Waikawa. Road conditions are also important when planning your drive: much of the road between Otara and Curio Bay is unsealed. If you plan to use this route, take that into account and check the current road conditions in advance.

Tokanui Playground is located at 4 McEwan Street in Tokanui. The town also has a community swimming pool. Mrs Earwaker has been involved there since 1997 and prepared the pool for the coming season. If the swimming pool is important to your travel plans, check in advance on visiting options.

Landscapes and Nature Experiences in the Wider Southland District Destination

For broader planning in the wider Southland District destination, there are additional, distinct themes to explore. The Hump Ridge Track in the Southland District is a three-day loop across subalpine heights and along a rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. The route also includes a short interpretive walk around the historic Port Craig sawmill site. The duration, landscapes and historic walk offer different ways to understand hiking experiences in the Southland District.

The Rakiura Track in the Southland District follows an open coastline, passes through the island’s forested interior and runs along the sheltered shores of Paterson Inlet. Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara is an open sanctuary with well-developed paths for people of all ages and fitness levels. Following a successful eradication programme, the island was declared rat-free; its relatively unspoiled state makes it important for the protection of threatened species. The Rakiura Track is defined by its varied landscapes, while Ulva Island is distinguished by its sanctuary status and paths.

Another distinct point of interest in the Southland District is Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary on the shores of Lake Te Anau. It is a 20-minute walk or a 2-minute drive from the Te Rua-o-te-Moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. The sanctuary offers self-guided visits and on-site activities for children. The takahē pairs there support the Takahē Recovery Programme: they raise chicks that are released at around one year old into predator-controlled areas in the wild. This also makes it possible to understand the site through its contribution to conservation.

Discover more destinations: Garston, Otautau, Papatotara, Milford Sound, Athol, Winton, Lumsden, Wyndham.

For the wider travel overview: Southland District.