a selection of

Southland s

short walks

contents

pg

For the location of each walk see the centre page

map on page 17 and 18.

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Introduction
Information
Track Symbols
Mavora Lakes
Piano Flat
Glenure Allan Reserve
Waikaka Way Walkway
Croydon Bush, Dolamore Park Scenic Reserves
Dunsdale Reserve
Forest Hill Scenic Reserve
Kamahi/Edendale Scenic Reserve
Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve
Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve
Borland Nature Walk
Tuatapere Scenic Reserve
Alex McKenzie Park and Arboretum
Roundhill
Location of walks map
Mores Scenic Reserve
Taramea Bay Walkway
Sandy Point Domain
Invercargill Estuary Walkway
Invercargill Parks & Gardens
Greenpoint Reserve
Bluff Hill/Motupohue
Waituna Viewing Shelter
Waipapa Point
Waipohatu Recreation Area
Slope Point
Waikawa
Curio Bay
Wildlife viewing
Walks further afield
For more information

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2
3
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7
8
9,10
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15
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17,18
19,20
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21-23
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introduction to

Southland s

short walks

Southland is renowned for challenging tracks that

venture into wild and rugged landscapes. Yet many of
the region's most attractive places can be enjoyed in a
more leisurely way without the need for tramping boots
or heavy packs.
This booklet features a selection of Southland's short,
accessible walking tracks.
These walks invite you to sample the region's rich natural
heritage a diversity that encompasses mountains,
forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and rocky
shorelines.
Natural remnants of native forest are dotted amongst
the farmlands of the Southland Plains; precious
reminders of the plant and animal communities that
once occupied the area.
Exploring ancient forests, windswept coastlines and
sheltered picnic places is easy - they are on the doorstep.
All of the walks in this booklet are within a two hour drive
from Invercargill.
Enjoy them!

short

walking tracks
Short walking tracks combine healthy exercise with
the enjoyment of beautiful places.
They
take between 15 minutes and 4 hours to complete
are generally well formed and maintained
can be walked in sensible leisure footwear
are usually accessible throughout the year
are suitable for most ages and fitness levels
may be suitable for wheelchairs or strollers
have car parking available

for your

safety
Even the easiest walks need safety sense.
Be sure to
wear comfortable shoes
dress for the weather (and be prepared for it to change)
stay on the track
allow enough time to walk at your own pace
keep young children in sight
take a snack and drink of water on longer walks
tell someone where you are going and when you will be back

choosing a
Protect plants and animals
Remove rubbish
Keep streams and lakes clean
Keep to the track
Consider others
Respect our cultural heritage
Enjoy your visit
Toitu te whenua

walk
Use the centre page map to choose where you want to go,
then check the walk numbers against the matching
descriptions.
Symbols provide additional information about facilities,
opportunities and requirements. See the next page for the
symbols used at these walks.

(leave the land undisturbed)

walking track

walking track

symbols

symbols
Please note;
Easy access short walk; suitable for people of all
abilities, wheelchairs and strollers.
Walking track; well formed, easy, longer walks.

disabled access

walking track

tramping
track

Tramping track; mostly unformed with steep,

rough or muddy sections.
This symbol does not appear throughout the
brochure as parking is available at all sites.

toilets

disabled access
toilets

parking

wildlife

lookout

interpretation
panels

dogs on leash

no dogs

picnic area

swimming

playground

fishing

barbeque

camping

drinking water

1 Mavora Lakes

2 Piano Flat

Refer to location map on page 17

A combination of picturesque mountains, lakes, beech
forest and tussock grassland attracts a variety of
recreational activities. The area is part of Te Wahipounamu
South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

South Mavora Track 2-3 hours one way

The track starts over the swing bridge at the outlet of the
North Lake, near the camping area and can be wet at times.
It follows the Mararoa River downstream and hugs the
shores of South Mavora Lake to the swing bridge at its
outlet.

Kiwi Burn Loop Track 3 hours return

This is a tramping track suitable for families. It is signposted
off the Mavora Road, 1.5 km north from Hikuraki Station
homestead.
A short road leads to a swing bridge across the Mararoa
River. From here it is an easy walk downstream to the
confluence with the Kiwi Burn stream. A further 15 minutes
walk up the Kiwi Burn is a trampers' hut, situated on a
pleasant grassy flat.
Flooding can occur during or after periods of heavy rain.

Refer to location map on page 18

Open river terraces nestled beneath Waikaia Forest and
high country pastures give Piano Flat special appeal for
family outings.

Ngahere Ara Track 30 minutes return

An easy loop track starts beside the children's playground
and is best walked in an anti-clockwise direction.
This forest walk also features historic relics of goldmining
activity. The natural surface can be muddy at times.
Piano Flat Loop Track 1 hour return
Access to this track is signposted off the Ngahere Ara Track.
It continues through beech forest and includes reminders of
early saw-milling days.
Note: This is a less well-defined tramping track that requires
some experience and average physical fitness.

Waikaia River Track 4 hours return

Cross the wire swing bridge from the main camping area and
follow the Waikaia River upstream to a second swing bridge.
Return downstream on the opposite bank and along the
road.
Note: This is a tramping track which can be muddy and rough in
places.

Ngahere Ara Loop Track

Piano Flat Loop Track
Waikaia River Track

4 Waikaka Way Walkway

3 Glenure Allan Reserve

Since 1979, Balfour School children (with community help)

have been responsible for tree planting, weeding and the
development of a short walking track at this small reserve
on the slopes of Glenure Hill. The nearest public toilets are
in Balfour.

Loop Track 10 minutes return

The formed loop track through a small area of regenerating
forest is relatively steep in places but offers wonderful
views over Eastern Southland. Commemorative tree
plantings and plaques recognise community members who
have assisted with the Reserve's development and
management.

Waikaka Way Walkway 45 minutes return

This walking track starts at the northern end of Hamilton
Park and follows the Waikaka River exiting into Toronto
Street. There is parking available at both ends and public
conveniences at Hamilton Park. There are other loop
options for short walks off this track, in and around
Hamilton Park, which is a large sports ground covering 20
hectares. The Waikaka Way is relatively flat and follows the
contour of the riverbank. It is a picturesque little walk of
1.3 km one way, side loop walks of up to 3 km's with access
opportunities for fishermen and lovely rural views of the
eastern hills.

Lumsden

W
ai

Hamilton
Park

iv
er

East
Gore

Balfour

94

ka
ka

To Mossburn

Glenure
Caroline

To Winton

Track
Streets

Dipton

5 Croydon Bush & Dolamore Park

Scenic Reserves

Surrounded by farmland, Croydon Bush offers a glimpse of

the forest, grassland and shrub communities that once
characterised much of Southland. Tracks through this bush
take in native podocarp (pine) forest, including matai, rimu
and kahikatea. Crimson rata flowers are a summertime
feature.
(Part only)
Dolamore Track 1 hour return
A well-formed, gravel surfaced loop walk starts from the
Dolamore Park picnic area, crosses Waimumu Stream and
climbs gradually towards a ridge. A signposted side walk to
a viewpoint adds approximately 30 minutes to the total
walk time. A boardwalk section at the start of the track is
accessible to wheelchairs. Croydon Bush offers a glimpse of
the forest, grassland and shrub communities that once
characterised much of Southland.

Fantail Ridge Track

40 minutes return (via Sequoia Track)
The track is signposted from the Dolamore Park car park.
It provides easy walking through both exotic and
regenerating native forest, and offers magnificent views of
Southland. Return via the Sequoia Track or, for a longer
walk, follow the Whisky Creek Track back to Dolamore Park.

Mandeville
Otamita

5 Croydon Bush & Dolamore Park

Scenic Reserves continued

Whisky Creek Track 2 hours return

The track is signposted off the boardwalk section of the
Dolamore Track and follows a ridge to waterfalls. This track
includes some steeper sections and muddy patches. A side
track to Poppelwells Lookout is well worthwhile for
spectacular views over the Southland Plains (add 30 45
minutes to the total time). The loop is completed via a wellformed grass track from a car park and shelter off Domain
Road and returning to Dolamore Park.
Sequoia Track
40 minutes return
Use the Fantail Ridge Track
access to this track, which
begins at the Sequoia
Plantation in Dolamore
Park. A link with the
W h i s k y C r e e k Tr a c k
provides a variety of return
options.

Poppelwells
Lookout
Croydon Bush
Scenic Reserve

Dolamore Park

Note: A number of other

tramping tracks and routes
start within Croydon Bush and
are maintained by the
Hokonui Tramping Club.

Whisky Creek Track

Dolamore Track
Fantail Ridge Track
Sequoia Track

94
McNab

Croydon

Gore

Charlton
Waimumu

10

6 Dunsdale Reserve

7 Forest Hill Scenic Reserve

(Tussock Creek only)

(Max 2 nights)

A forestry road provides access to this attractive remnant of

native forest, characterised by matai and kahikatea. A
sheltered forest clearing provides a pleasant setting for
picnics.
(Part only)
Forks Flat Track 1 hour return
From the picnic area, cross the bridge and follow a wellformed walking track along the banks of Dunsdale Stream
past a waterfall to Forks Flat. The section of track to the
waterfall is accessible to wheelchairs. Return either the
same way, or over a bridge and down the other side of the
stream (on a track which is unsuitable for wheelchairs).

To Mataura
Glencoe
96

Hedgehope
6

Browns

Winton

Refer to location map on page 11

Forest Hill is a unique reserve, representing the type of
native forest community once found on limestone outcrops
throughout the Southland Plains. Totara, matai, rimu and
kahikatea rise above a canopy of hardwood trees home for
large numbers of native and introduced birds. Track
entrances are clearly signposted from both Tussock Creek
and Forest Hill picnic areas.

Derek Turnbull Track

2 hours one way
This gravel surfaced track links
the picnic areas at either end of
the reserve.
The gradient from the Tussock
Creek end is easier.

Forest Hill
Picnic Area
Cave

Loop Track
1 hour return
Forest Hill picnic area is the start
of a loop walk which features a
small cave called Weta Cave.
Tussock Ck
Picnic Area

Lochiel
To Invercargill

11

Tussock
Creek

12

8 Kamahi/Edendale Scenic Reserve

Known locally as Kamahi Reserve, this island of forest

surrounded by farmland is an excellent place to encounter
all five examples of native podocarp trees: rimu, miro,
matai, kahikatea and
totara.
To Gore

The Reserve offers

two easy walks:
Short Loop Track
15 minutes return
Long Loop Track
30 minutes return

10 Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve

Woodlands
Kingswood Bush Track 20 minutes return
Refer to map pg 13
The Kingswood Bush Track is located east of Woodlands
School on the Woodlands Morton Mains Road. This easy
walk winds through mixed podocarp forest and is abundant
with flora and fauna.

1
Wyndham
Edendale

11 Borland Nature Walk

Menzies
Ferry

8
Kamahi
1

Dacre

Morton Mains

Seaward
Downs

Woodlands

10
To Invercargill

9 Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve

Situated adjacent to Borland Lodge, on the edge of

Fiordland National Park, this interpretation trail uses a selfguided walk card to look at the beech forest community. It
includes some of the best mistletoe/pikiraki plants in
Southland.

Loop Track

(Part only)

40 minutes return
An easy walk which is
wheelchair accessible as
far as the swing bridge.

To Te Anau
99
Blackmount
Monowai

11
Borland Lodge
To Lake Monowai

Like Edendale Scenic Reserve, Seaward Downs is another

small pocket of native forest within easy reach of
Invercargill.
Despite having been logged, there are good examples of
podocarp forest trees, which are favoured by New Zealand
pigeon/kereru.

Loop Track 40 minutes return

The forest walk begins and ends at the picnic area.
The track may be muddy in places after wet weather.

13

14

To Clifden

12 Tuatapere Scenic Reserve

14 Roundhill

Refer to location map on page 17

Tuatapere Domain and the Scenic Reserve are interlinked by
a network of walking tracks through a remnant of the
lowland beech and podocarp forest, which once covered
much of the Waiau Valley. The main entrance is signposted
west of the Waiau River bridge, from Half Mile Road.

Roundhill district at the southern end of the Longwood

range, west of Colac Bay is an historic gold field dating back
to the early 1870s. Chinese and subsequently Europeans
sluiced for the fine alluvial gold.

Loop Track

To

35 minutes return
There are several access points to this
walking track, which has a gravel
surface and is suitable for wheelchairs.
A particular feature is a large totara that
towers over surrounding trees.

Long Hilly Track 2 hours return

Long Hilly Track is a gravelled loop track traversing a small
section of the Roundhill goldfield. It is managed by Te
Araroa Southland Trust as part of the Te Araroa Trail - A
walking track from Cape
Reinga to Bluff. Visitors
14
pass various historic gold
Roundhill Road
sluicing features along the
babbling California Creek
in regenerating native
99
ill
bush. Leaving the car park
arg
er c
Inv
To
on Roundhill Road (one
Colac Bay
kilometre off State
Highway 99) the track also
passes through an historic
logging tramline cutting.
a
Tu

ta

pe

re

13 Alex McKenzie Park & Arboretum

The Park and Arboretum contain a large area of mature,

exotic trees, some of which are rare or uncommon species.
The diversity of trees provides delightful autumn colours
and an attractive backdrop to the picnic area.

Arboretum Walk
20 minutes return
An easy walk through
the impressive
variety of exotic trees
is gradually being
restored to its
original state.
Tracks are on natural
surfaces and not
always well-formed.

To Mossburn
Isla Bank

Otautau

13
Fairfax

15

16

Mavora
Lakes

location map of

Southland s

short walks

Waikaia

Tapanui

Balclutha
90
1

Lumsden

Lake
Te Anau

94

Te Anau

Balfour

Mossburn

Gore

94

Clinton

Riversdale

Waimumu
Dipton

96

Lake
Manapouri

Ohai
11

Mataura

Te Tipua

Manapouri

96

Nightcaps

HOKONUI HILLS

TAKITIMU
MOUNTAINS

Winton 7
6

Monowai

Owaka

CATLINS FOREST

Edendale
Hedgehope 8
9

Wyndham
Seaward Downs

Dacre
Tussock
Creek

10

Tokanui

Fortrose

Clifden
Otatara
12
LONGWOOD RANGE

Tuatapere
99

Lake
Hauroko

Riverton
16
15

Orepuki

Porpoise Bay

Curio Bay

Colac Bay

Otara

22

99

13
Lake
Monowai

24 27

26

25 Slope Point

Otautau

FIORDLAND
NATIONAL
PARK

Waikawa

23

19
18 INVERCARGILL
17
20

21

Bluff

14
Te Waewae Bay

Map legend
Main touring route
Minor road sealed
Minor road unsealed
Southern Scenic Route

17

94

State Highways

Track number

18

15 Mores Scenic Reserve - Riverton

15 Mores Scenic Reserve - Riverton

Continued

Refer to location map on page 17

The reserve is located on Howells Hill overlooking the
township of Riverton/Aparima. Tracks provide panoramic
views of Foveaux Strait and features abundant birdlife. This
area includes wahi tapu/treasured places for Maori and
visitors are asked to respect this.

Kings Track 20 minutes return

This easy walking track follows a route used by early
settlers. It emerges from the bush to offer wonderful views
over Riverton/Aparima and the Southland Plains.
Mores Coastal Loop Track 2 hours return
The track emerges from coastal forest and follows marker
posts along the beaches and rocky outcrops of the southern
coastline. The track is best walked in an anti-clockwise
direction from the car park, returning via Kings Track.
It is maintained to tramping track standard and may be
muddy in places with some steep sections.

16 Taramea Bay Walkway - Riverton

Refer to location map on page 18

Walkway Up to 2 hours
This easy coastal walk follows a gravel track between
Riverton Rocks and the Jacobs River Bridge.
The length of the walk can be adjusted to suit individual
needs with start/finish points at Bay Road, Towack
Street, Taramea Bay Road and Rocks Highway.

Hilltop Lookout
Track
20 minutes return
A short uphill walk on a
gravel track is rewarded
by outstanding
panoramic views.

Mores
Track

Mores Coastal Loop Track

Mores Lookout Track
Hilltop Lookout
Kings Track

Lookout

45 minutes return
An easy walk through native forest emerges at a tree-top
lookout platform, which offers bird's eye views of the
southern coastline and forest below.

19

20

17 Sandy Point Domain

17 Sandy Point Domain

Sandy Point Domain is an outstanding natural playground

with a 13km network of well-formed walking tracks making
it easy to explore Sandy Point on foot. Sandy Point's ancient
sand dune forest of wind sculptured totara and matai is rare
and nationally important. The native and plantation
forests, estuarine mudflats and salt marshes, which fringe
the Oreti River, are home to prolific plant and animal life.

Continued

Kilmock Bush
30 minutes return
This gently undulating loop track starts from Fosbender
Park and includes some stepped sections. It passes through
a carpet of bush lily/astelia and hound's tongue
fern/kowaowao, beneath gnarled totara trees.

Rover Track/Petrie's Track

Kilmock
Bush

17

Fosbender
Park

To
Airport,
Invercargill

Otatara

50 minutes return
Take the coastal Rover Track (30 minutes one way) to
Daffodil Bay and return via the open pine forest of Petries
Track (20 minutes one way). The Rover Track passes a
lookout (10 minutes one way) and hugs the shoreline
through regenerating native vegetation. Tracks start from
the car park at the eastern end of McLennans Flat.

Daffodil Bay

17

Hatchs Hill
Noki Kaik
Beach

Silver
Lagoon
Whalers
Bay

SANDY POINT TRACKS

Kilmock Bush
Rover Track
Petries Track
Daffodil Bay Loop Track
McShanes Track
Roundtree Track

21

22

17 Sandy Point Domain

Continued

Daffodil Bay Loop Track

90 minutes return
This track combines a totara matai forest with good
estuary views. From the Daffodil Bay picnic area take the
coastal route to Hatches Hill Lookout (30 minutes) with a
side trip to Noki Kaik Beach. Return to Daffodil Bay via the
inland route (60 minutes).

Caution: Parts of the

walkway may be under
water in periods of
extreme weather.

Pleasure
Bay
Lagoon

N
Tweed St

24

Bond St

S
E

23

Invercargill Estuary

Clyde St

45 minutes return
The Silver Lagoon is the hidden gem of Sandy Point providing
important wildlife habitat for birds and other fauna. The
track starts opposite the settlement at Coopers Creek and
passes through an attractive remnant of native forest
opening out to a forestry fire break. The track to Silver
Lagoon follows McShanes Track and returns the same way.

Invercargill Estuary Walkway 1 hour return

Take a stroll around the Pleasure Bay lagoon and discover an
area rich in ecology and history. Allow at least an hour to
walk the 4.7km walking and cycling loop track. A shorter
walk to an elevated viewpoint (30 minutes return) will
provide views over the estuary and lagoon.

To Bluff

Silver Lagoon Track

18 Invercargill Estuary Walkway

Stead St
Wharf
ch
Be a
reti
To O

19 Invercargill Parks & Gardens

Queens Park
Location: Entry from Gala Street, Queens Drive, Herbert
Street or Victoria Avenue.
Description: Queens Park is spread over 81 hectares and
includes the Southland Museum & Art Gallery, Invercargill iSITE, an 18 hole golf course, children's playground and a
bird aviary. Coronation Avenue is the main path through the
park with many walkways leading off to various gardens. A
4km fitness trail winds its way around the park with 20
exercise stations.

Otepuni Gardens
Location: Follows Otepuni Stream between Forth Street
and Tyne Street from Nith Street to Elles Road.
Description: Otepuni Gardens' winding pathways along the
banks of the Otepuni Stream provide a refreshing break
from the city centre. The gardens cover 9.4 hectares and
encompass four city blocks.

20 Greenpoint Reserve

Those approaching from the north will find the reserve is

signposted left off SH1 immediately before the Greenpoint
Cemetery. The nearest public toilets are in Bluff.

Walking track
30 minutes return
A well-graded, gravel track and boardwalk follow the
shoreline to Greenpoint, providing panoramic views across
Bluff Harbour and highlighting features of natural and
historic interest that include a ship graveyard.
Note: The railway
track is in regular
use. Stop, look and
listen before
crossing.

Greenhills

Anderson Park

Bluff Harbour

20

Location: McIvor Road

Description: Anderson Park Art Gallery was gifted to the
city by Sir Robert Anderson and his wife. The home houses a
splendid collection of New Zealand art. Outside a welldefined walking track leads visitors through native bush.
Walkers on the track can spot kahikatea, rimu, thin-barked
totara, matai, miro and the principal canopy tree, the
pokaka. Also popular is the monkey puzzle tree, planted in
the grounds more than 80 years ago.

25

To
Invercargill

New River
Estuary

Tiwai Pt
Stirling Pt

Bluff
Lookout Pt

26

21 Bluff Hill/Motupohue

Original native forest, wind-battered coast and shrubcovered hillsides are some of the delights of Bluff Hill/
Motuphue. Spectacular views over Foveaux Strait and the
Southland Plains are the reward from the top of Bluff Hill.
Tracks are well marked and range from easy gradients to
steep climbs. Car parking and access from Stirling Point,
Gunpit Road and the top of Bluff Hill. Toilets are available at
Stirling Point.

Foveaux Walkway
25 minutes one way
The coastal track from Stirling Point to Lookout Point has an
easy grade and well-compacted surface providing good
views across Foveaux Strait.

Tpuni Track
45 minutes uphill one way
A short track from Stirling Point climbs past the WWII gun
emplacement to meet the Tpuni Track, Gunpit Road access
and Glory Track. The Tpuni Track continues up an
undulating path (steep in parts) through regenerating forest
and coastal shrub lands to the summit of Bluff Hill.

21 Bluff Hill/Motupohue Continued

Glory Track
30 minutes one way
The Glory Track offers an alternative return track though
the quiet shelter of native forest.

Millennium Track
45 minutes uphill one way
A steep track from Lookout Point to the summit of Bluff Hill
though the wind-shorn shrubland is rewarded by superb
views across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Ocean Beach Track

90 minutes one way
The coastal track
becomes a marked
route across private
farmland. Fur Seals
and Southern Right
Whales may visit the
coast in winter.

Foveaux Walkway
Millennium Track
Topuni Track
Glory Track
Ocean Beach

Stirling
Point
Bluff Hill

Lookout Point

27

28

23 Waipapa Point

22 Waituna Viewing Shelter

Refer to location map on page 31

Waituna Viewing Shelter

Location: Waghorn Road (off Southern Scenic Route, 20km
south-east of Invercargill)
This easy walk starts at the carpark at the end of Waghorn
Road and leads to a viewing shelter overlooking Waituna
Lagoon. It is suitable for people of all abilities, including
wheelchairs. Interpretation is provided in the viewing
shelter.
Mokotua
To In
verca
rg

Kapuka

ill

Sou
th

ern

Sce

nic R

oute Gorge Road

Kapuka South

To
C

Waituna
Viewing Shelter

atl

i ns

Waipapa Point is the site of New Zealand's worst civilian

shipwreck, which happened in 1881 when SS Tararua ran
aground on Waipapa Reef. Despite desperate rescue
attempts, 131 of the 151 passengers and crew died. The
lighthouse, built after the catastrophe in 1884, is a poignant
reminder of the tragedy.

Tararua Acre Cemetery

15 minutes return
Foot access to Tararua Acre, where many of the shipwreck
victims were buried, is signposted from the Waipapa Point
Lighthouse Road. Access to the cemetery is across private
property, which is closed during lambing (1 September to 1
November).

Waipapa Point walks

There are no formed tracks but the beach and coastline to
either side of the lighthouse offer delightful opportunities
for short walks.

22

29

30

24 Waipohatu Recreation Area

25 Slope Point
Refer to location map on page 31

Waipohatu's grassy clearings are a legacy from timber

milling activities in the surrounding Waikawa Forest.
A gravel track opposite the toilets in the main car park leads
to an old Fordson Tractor log hauler.

Loop Track
1 hour return
A well-surfaced
track passes
beneath a section
of unmilled coastal
forest that is
notable for its
variety of ferns.
Return the same
way or along the
road.

Progress
Valley

To Owaka
Quarry Hills

Niagara
Waikawa

Tokanui

26

The most southerly point on the South Island, Slope Point is

7 kilometres further south than Bluff.
This is a privately maintained walk across farmland.
Access is closed during the lambing season (1 Sept to 1 Nov).

Slope Point walk 20 minutes return

Follow marker posts across windswept pastures to Slope
Point. From here, on a clear day, the entire length of
Stewart Island/Rakiura is visible, along with Bluff and Tiwai
Point Aluminium Smelter.
Note: The cliff tops are dangerous; take extra care.

Porpoise Bay

24

27
Curio Bay

Haldane
Haldane Bay

To Fortrose
Invercargill

25

Slope Pt

26 Waikawa

Slope Pt

Otara

23
Waipapa Pt

Waipohatu Waterfall Track

3 hours return
This walk is maintained by the Toi Tois Lions Club and South
Catlins Promotions. It leads in to two waterfalls and has a
return or loop option.
Note: This is a less well-defined tramping track which can be
muddy in places. It requires two small river crossings, some
experience and average physical fitness is required.

Refer to location map on page 31

Waikawa was a busy port in the 1880s and early 1900s. Other
early industries included sawmilling, whaling, goldmining,
stone quarrying, flax milling, pastoral runholding and dairy
farming. Waikawa is now a small fishing village and a
peaceful retreat for permanent residents and owners of
holiday homes, tourist accommodation and attractions.
Further information on the walks can be obtained from the
Waikawa Museum.

The Old Coach Road 20 minutes return

This is a walk across the estuary, only possible at low tide
and starting from the right side of the jetty. The actual
road was formed in the 1880s so that the coach could run
between Waikawa and Fortrose. Evidence can still be seen
of the stone bridges over the creeks and the road raised
above the sand.
George Aitken Walk 20 minutes return
A short forest walk named in memory of a well-loved local,
George Aitken. The walk begins behind the Waikawa Hall.
You will find some helpful labels naming the native trees
and peaceful views of the estuary.

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32

27 Curio Bay

wildlife

viewing
Refer to location map on page 31

It is not surprising that Curio Bay and adjacent Porpoise Bay

are among Southland's most popular destinations. Few
places in the world offer such a wealth of scenic, wildlife
and recreational interest that is concentrated into one
small area.

Petrified Forest Walk

(Part only)

10 minutes return
Petrified stumps, fallen trees and fern imprints from a 180
million year old fossil forest have become exposed on the
tidal rock platform.
This internationally important site is accessible at low tide,
although a viewing platform with interpretation panels
provides the best vantage point.
This is an irreplaceable treasure and the rocks are strictly
protected. Please leave it undisturbed for others to enjoy.

Visitors to Curio Bay and Waipapa Point may be lucky enough

to view wildlife. Please note the following.

Hector's Dolphin/Papakanua
During summer and autumn visitors can sometimes see
Hector's dolphin/papkanua playing in the surf. When
swimming or kayaking do not approach dolphins - they will
come to you if they want to. Always enter the water at least
50 metres away from any dolphin. They have sensitive skins
so do not touch them.

Yellow-eyed penguins/Hoiho
Lucky visitors may see
yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho
that nest around Curio Bay.
They are very timid birds
and will either leave the
area or 'freeze' at the sight
of people. Please give them
space. Do not chase or
follow them. Do not get
between them and their
destination.

New Zealand Sea lions/Rapoka

Sea lions are often found resting amongst the dunes and
coastal tussock grasses. Dogs and people are seen as a
threat by sea lions particularly if their escape route to the
sea appears to be blocked. For safety reasons please keep
at least 30 metres away from them.

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34

walks

further afield
Stewart Island/Rakiura and Rakiura National Park
Halfmoon Bay is the hub for a variety of short walks,
ranging from 15 minutes to several hours. Details are
available in the brochure Day Walks Stewart Island or
from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.

Fiordland National Park

While Fiordland is best known for its more challenging
tracks, it also offers a range of short walks, particularly
around Te Anau and the Milford Road World Heritage
Highway (SH 94).
Details are available in the brochure Fiordland National
Park Day Walks or from the Fiordland National Park Visitor
Centre.

35

for more information

This booklet has been produced by Venture Southland in
partnership with Southland District Council, Department
of Conservation, Invercargill City Council and Gore
District Council.
In many cases, more detailed track information is
available on request from those authorities or from
visitor information centres.
The logo against each track description identifies the
authority responsible for its management.
Venture Southland
143 Spey Street
PO Box 1306
Invercargill
Ph: 03 211 1400
E-mail: info@southlandnz.com
Website: www.southlandnz.com
Southland District Council
15 Forth Street
PO Box 903, Invercargill
Ph: 0800 732 732
E-mail: info@southlanddc.govt.nz
Website: www.southlanddc.govt.nz
Department of Conservation
7th floor, 33 Don Street
PO Box 743, Invercargill
Ph: 03 211 2400
Website: www.doc.govt.nz

DOC HOTline

0800 362 468

Report any safety hazards or
conserv atio n emerg encie s

For fire and search and rescue call 111

Parks Division
Invercargill City Council
Queen's Park
Private Bag 90104
Invercargill
Ph: 03 219 9070
Email: parks@icc.govt.nz
Website: www.icc.govt.nz
Gore District Council
29 Civic Avenue
PO Box 8, Gore
Ph: 03 209 0330
E-mail: info@goredc.govt.nz
Website: www.goredc.govt.nz

36

Disclaimer
The contents of this publication are intended as a guide only.
While every attempt has been made to ensure the information is correct at the time
of printing, Venture Southland, Department of Conservation, Southland District
Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council disclaim liability to any
entity for loss, cost or damage whatsoever arising out of or connected with the
contents of this booklet. All material is subject to copyright.