05 Dunedin to Bluff
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RouteXpert Nick Carthew - (MRA Master)
Last edit: 15-04-2021
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Verdict
Duration
8h 53m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
300.19 km
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RouteXpert Review The Catlins (aka. Catlins Coast) is a remote and untouched region in the far south of South Island. The region starts about an hour’s drive south of Dunedin between Balclutha and Invercargill / Bluff. In the Catlins, the main focus is on the very impressive nature. The climate is changeable, the waves strong and the coast rugged. If you want to witness the fascinating wildlife of New Zealand, then the Catlins is the right place to be. Here, the local seals and sea lions roll in the sand and at sunset the penguins waddle back to their nests.
The Catlins are on the Southern Scenic Route – this long stretch of road that runs along the southern coast of New Zealand from Dunedin to Queenstown, is home to some of the most scenic highlights in the country.
There are many great attractions along this route and it might be a case of choosing the ones you want to visit or leaving early to squeeze them all in.
The first is Lake Waihola. This is New Zealand's most inland tidal lake. It is freshwater and is over 20 kms from the coast at Taieri Mouth, with an average depth of less than a metre. Waihola meaning 'spreading waters' in Maori is famous for its black swans and reflections on a calm day. A dawn visit will only make it more magical and more chance of it being still.
Turn right before crossing Balclutha Bridge for a photo. The Balclutha Bridge is one of the best known road bridges in South Island. The bridge is often simply known as "The Clutha Bridge", despite the fact that there are numerous bridges across the country's second longest river. Built between 1933 and 1935, this bowstring bridge was designed by W. L. Newnham to be earthquake and flood resistant, thereby safeguarding it against the two most common natural disasters to occur in southern New Zealand. Stop for a coffee on the other side as the bridge marks the start of the Catlins and there's plenty to see.
Nugget Point.
A visit to the Catlins wouldn't be complete without seeing the viewpoint and lighthouse at Nugget Point.
The iconic Nugget Point (or 'The Nuggets' as referred to by the locals) is located near Kaka Point. There is a car park area from where you commence your walk to the Nugget Point Lighthouse. Wave-eroded rocks, which are likened to the shape of gold nuggets, can be seen from the viewing platform at the end of the path. The lighthouse was built in 1869-70, is 9.5 metres high and situated 76 metres above sea level.
Along the way you may see the fur seal colony on the rocks at sea level to the left of the track and also below the lighthouse, or the many seabirds that make The Nuggets their home. During the months of December – February elephant seals also make The Nuggets their stopover point.
Easy, slightly uphill walk from car park to the lighthouse – 20 minutes return.
I've suggested another coffee break in Owaka, about 20 minutes on from the Nuggets.
Purakaunui Falls.
The next attraction is Purakaunui Falls. You need to turn off the Scenic Highway for 4 kms then from the car park it’s a mere 5-10min walk through the forest to the Purakaunui Falls. These cascading waterfalls are very picturesque, set in the middle of a forest and are supposed to be the most photographed waterfalls in the Catlins.
Cathedral Caves.
A short 2 km departure from the Scenic Highway will take you to the car park to visit Cathedral Caves. These caves have have attracted international interest for their length - the two sea-formed passages together measure 200 m & their impressive height is 30 m. A 1 km walking track descends through lush coastal forest to the beach. There is a small charge for the use of the car park & access to the bush track, beach & caves, about 1 hour return. The Cathedral Caves were so named by Dr T.M. Hocken in 1896 because of their resemblance to European cathedrals. Try the acoustics with a simple whistle or even a song! Dr Hocken and his friends did and termed them reverberating.
It is recommended to plan your visit to the caves. They can only be accessed approximately 1 hour each side of low tide subject to safe sea conditions.
McLean Falls.
Again, accessed by departing the Scenic Highway, this time to the right. 3 km to the car park and 20 minute walk to the falls.
Listen to the native birds as you walk through beautiful Southland bush to a spectacular 22 metre cascade waterfall surrounded on both sides by dark-green mossy rocks. A must see waterfall in New Zealand.
Koropuku Falls.
The delightful Koropuku Falls are a must for photographers as this is far less visited than others but quite easy to miss. A small off road pull in and small sign are all the clues you get to visit this hidden beauty. A more or less easy track starts from the parking and goes through the native forest. The tack is very well maintained. In 2-5 minutes from beginning of the walk, you cross a stream via a footbridge, then you walk along the stream up to the waterfall's base. The track is slippery after rain, so please be careful! At the end of the track you will need to climb over some rocks and this is the most difficult part of the track.
Lunch stop.
A lunch stop at Niagara Falls Cafe won't disappoint but a view of the NZ version of Niagara Falls may. Niagara Falls was named by a surveyor with an obvious sense of humour! The ironically named falls share little in resemblance with their gigantic cousin and are nothing more than rapids really. However, situated just off of a main road, they are easily accessible and perfect for scenic photos and a breath of fresh air.
Curio Bay.
A short ride after lunch is Curio Bay. Curio Bay is of international significance for its Petrified Forest dating back to the Jurassic period. The tree fossils you see here, similar to Kauri and Matai, are approximately 170 million years old. The forest was alive when New Zealand was part of Gondwanaland. Curio Bay’s Petrified Forest is best viewed at low tide from the viewing platform. You can also walk through the Living Forest walkway and see how the Petrified Forest may have looked millions of years ago. This is a special occurrence in the world to see a fossil forest so close to its living counterpart.
You may also see protected yellow-eyed penguins at Curio Bay in the late afternoon as they come ashore after a day at sea.
Slope Point.
You depart the road again if you want to visit Slope Point. Spectacular views of windswept trees, southern ocean waves crashing onto the rocks and a photo opportunity at an iconic signpost are features of this southernmost point of the South Island. The car park is a 5.5 km diversion and Slope Point is accessible via a 20 minute walk across private farmland from the car park.
Waipapa Point Lighthouse.
The last departure from the Scenic Highway is to visit the Waipapa Point Lighthouse. 4 kms of gravel road then 10 minutes walk to the lighthouse. At the base of the lighthouse sea lions and fur seals can often be seen. The sea lions sometimes put on a show fighting among themselves. Take care to not get in the way!
Bluff.
The route now travels for 60 km through rich arable farmland to the end of this route at Stirling Point, Bluff.
As the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, Bluff has a rich and varied history. Check out the maritime museum for exhibits that focus on whaling, oyster fishing, and shipwrecks. The port of Bluff is the gateway to Stewart Island, and home of Bluff oysters – reputed to be the best in the world. The oyster season runs from March to August, and in May the locals put on a lively festival to honour Ostrea chilensis (that’s Latin for Bluff oyster).
You must call into any of the local establishments for fresh seafood – you simply can’t go wrong! Walk the streets to find galleries and large colourful murals throughout the town, as well as some meaningful monuments, this charming vintage town is full of surprises.
This route ends at the end of State Highway 1. State Highway 1 is the longest and most significant road in the New Zealand road network, running the length of both main islands for 2033 kms. Take a photo by the signpost then find your accommodation back in Bluff. Alternatively, you may choose to ride a further 25 minutes to stop in Invercargill. The next route 06 starts from a fuel station on the North Road, Highway 6 in Invercargill.
No road trip visit to Invercargill would be complete without a visit to the world-class vintage motor vehicle displays at Classic Motorcycle Mecca.
Here's a few lines from Classic Motorcycle Mecca:
"Classic Motorcycle Mecca is New Zealand's premiere motorcycle museum. We have the largest display of classic motorcycles in the country with a collection ranging from 1902 - 2007.
Once housed in Nelson and known as NZ Classic Motorcycles the entire collection was sold to Bill Richardson Transport World in May 2016. Given our natural enthusiasm for wheels and, Invercargill's celebrated obsession with motorcycles, it presented an opportunity of a lifetime. Widely regarded to be a world class display, our brand new motorcycle museum houses over 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork - some pieces of which are considered just as valuable as the bikes!"
Bill Richardson Transport World can be found just a short distance east from Classic Motorcycle Mecca on state highway 1.
If you're looking for things to do in Invercargill then you can't miss Bill Richardson Transport World. With literally hundreds of motor vehicles and petrol pumps on display there is a lot to take in. Transport World is the largest private collection of its type in the world. Designed to have something for everyone, not just vehicle enthusiasts.
Links for Bluff accommodation are below this review including a link for AirBnB who have a good selection of varied accommodation.
Enjoy
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Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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New Zealand
About this region
New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and more than 700 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres (103,500 sq mi). New Zealand is about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the islands of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. The country's varied topography and sharp mountain peaks, including the Southern Alps, owe much to tectonic uplift and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, and its most populous city is Auckland.
Owing to their remoteness, the islands of New Zealand were the last large habitable lands to be settled by humans. Between about 1280 and 1350, Polynesians began to settle in the islands and then developed a distinctive Māori culture. In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which declared British sovereignty over the islands. In 1841, New Zealand became a colony within the British Empire, and in 1907 it became a dominion; it gained full statutory independence in 1947, and the British monarch remained the head of state. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 5 million is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, with English being a de facto official and dominant language.
A developed country, New Zealand ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, education, protection of civil liberties, government transparency, and economic freedom. New Zealand underwent major economic changes during the 1980s, which transformed it from a protectionist to a liberalised free-trade economy. The service sector dominates the national economy, followed by the industrial sector, and agriculture; international tourism is a significant source of revenue. Nationally, legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament, while executive political power is exercised by the Cabinet, led by the prime minister, currently Jacinda Ardern. Queen Elizabeth II is the country's monarch and is represented by the governor-general. In addition, New Zealand is organised into 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities for local government purposes. The Realm of New Zealand also includes Tokelau (a dependent territory); the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing states in free association with New Zealand); and the Ross Dependency, which is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica.
New Zealand is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ASEAN Plus Six, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Read more on Wikipedia
Owing to their remoteness, the islands of New Zealand were the last large habitable lands to be settled by humans. Between about 1280 and 1350, Polynesians began to settle in the islands and then developed a distinctive Māori culture. In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which declared British sovereignty over the islands. In 1841, New Zealand became a colony within the British Empire, and in 1907 it became a dominion; it gained full statutory independence in 1947, and the British monarch remained the head of state. Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 5 million is of European descent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, with English being a de facto official and dominant language.
A developed country, New Zealand ranks highly in international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, education, protection of civil liberties, government transparency, and economic freedom. New Zealand underwent major economic changes during the 1980s, which transformed it from a protectionist to a liberalised free-trade economy. The service sector dominates the national economy, followed by the industrial sector, and agriculture; international tourism is a significant source of revenue. Nationally, legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament, while executive political power is exercised by the Cabinet, led by the prime minister, currently Jacinda Ardern. Queen Elizabeth II is the country's monarch and is represented by the governor-general. In addition, New Zealand is organised into 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities for local government purposes. The Realm of New Zealand also includes Tokelau (a dependent territory); the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing states in free association with New Zealand); and the Ross Dependency, which is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica.
New Zealand is a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ASEAN Plus Six, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum.
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Route Collections in this region A complete tour of North Island New Zealand from Auckland
A superb tour of everything that the beautiful North Island of New Zealand has to offer. From the far north at Cape Reinga where two mighty ocean currents collide, then, situated at the southern end of the North Island is the capital city of Wellington, recently named "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet. Experience everything in between, journey through landscapes of magnificent coasts and beaches, sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders. The breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Islands or the majestic, symmetrical volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki, or sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. North Island has it all.
Māori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island as is the architecture of the early European settlers. I would allow 3 weeks to cover this tour as this will enable you to spend more than one night in some of the fantastic locations.
Note: At Gisborne you have a choice of two routes, the coastal route included in this collection 13a or a shorter, inland route that travels through the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve 13b. Links for both routes are included in the route 12 review.
Enjoy.
Māori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island as is the architecture of the early European settlers. I would allow 3 weeks to cover this tour as this will enable you to spend more than one night in some of the fantastic locations.
Note: At Gisborne you have a choice of two routes, the coastal route included in this collection 13a or a shorter, inland route that travels through the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve 13b. Links for both routes are included in the route 12 review.
Enjoy.
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A complete and epic 9 route tour of South Island New Zealand
The picture above is of the Devil's Staircase running alongside Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake at 80 km. It was difficult to find one picture to sum up South Island because of the many varied and stunningly beautiful landscapes that this tour travels through.
The beauty of the South Island is in the diversity of its scenery.
Southern Alps
The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. The Southern Alps mountain range is the backbone of the island, stretching for roughly 500 kilometres from Wanaka to Arthur's Pass. The Alps have snowy tops all year round, feeding glaciers and crystal clear rivers.
The highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this soars to 3,724 metres. Mount Cook is one of New Zealand's greatest natural features.
Route highlights:
01: Lewis Pass road.
02: Arthur's Pass.
03: Mount Cook.
04: Lindis Pass.
05: Southern Scenic Route and Bluff.
06: Devil's Staircase.
07: Haast Pass.
08: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
09: Buller Gorge.
Eight of these routes are 5 ***** star routes and the ninth is a 4**** star. There is so much to see on this tour it is guaranteed to make unforgettable memories.
You might want to allow for a few extra nights, I would suggest 2 nights in:
Christchurch.
Bluff or Invercargill.
Queenstown.
Fox Glacier.
And maybe a night in Motueka.
Enjoy.
The beauty of the South Island is in the diversity of its scenery.
Southern Alps
The main feature of scenery in the South Island is mountains. The Southern Alps mountain range is the backbone of the island, stretching for roughly 500 kilometres from Wanaka to Arthur's Pass. The Alps have snowy tops all year round, feeding glaciers and crystal clear rivers.
The highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this soars to 3,724 metres. Mount Cook is one of New Zealand's greatest natural features.
Route highlights:
01: Lewis Pass road.
02: Arthur's Pass.
03: Mount Cook.
04: Lindis Pass.
05: Southern Scenic Route and Bluff.
06: Devil's Staircase.
07: Haast Pass.
08: Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
09: Buller Gorge.
Eight of these routes are 5 ***** star routes and the ninth is a 4**** star. There is so much to see on this tour it is guaranteed to make unforgettable memories.
You might want to allow for a few extra nights, I would suggest 2 nights in:
Christchurch.
Bluff or Invercargill.
Queenstown.
Fox Glacier.
And maybe a night in Motueka.
Enjoy.
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