Bluff Hill Hike

A climb that rewards with spectacular views over Foveaux Strait and Rakiura.

A must-do walk when in Bluff

Walking uphill through native forest inhaling the fresh Bluff air, the tranquility of your surroundings is interrupted only by birdcalls and the sound of your own footsteps. That is, unless your visit happens to coincide with the annual Burt Munro Challenge.

If this is the case, you’re also likely to hear the unmistakable revs of motorcycle engines echoing through the trees. The Burt Munro Challenge is usually held in November but was moved to February in 2020. This meant this usually peaceful walk to the summit of Bluff Hill/Motupōhue was frequently punctuated by the sounds of the largest motorcycle rally in the Southern Hemisphere. To be honest though, it added an element of excitement to the experience.

There are several walking tracks leading from the Stirling Point car park to Motupōhue’s summit. The Topuni Track, a well-maintained, undulating trail through regenerating native forest, is a good option as it’s not too steep of an ascent. The walk takes about 45 minutes and you’re rewarded at the top with superb views out to Rakiura/Stewart Island and the Foveaux Strait.

Be prepared for some typical New Zealand weather though – you may have to brave the sudden onset of torrential rain and icy winds before you get to enjoy the panorama!

To descend from the summit of Motupōhue you can again choose from several options, and if it’s views you’re after then the Millennium Track is your best bet. Along this 1.7km track you’ll encounter trees with trunks eerily bent and misshapen by the elements. Further down, the vegetation becomes courser and low-lying, having clearly adapted to frequent lashings of wind and rain.

At the end of the Millennium Track you’ll reach a lookout point with a sombre memorial to the five passengers who died after a Southern Air flight returning from Rakiura/Stewart Island was forced to ditch in the icy waters of the Foveaux Strait in August 1998. From here, it’s another few kilometres along the Foveaux Walkway back to Stirling Point.

If your walk up was punctuated by Harley Davidsons, they’ll well and truly be out of earshot here, replaced by the crashing of waves on the rocks below.

A walk to the summit of Motupōhue and back makes a perfect half day trip from Bluff or Invercargill. Splendid coastal scenery views guaranteed.