What to do in Bluff
So much to do, you’ll need more time!
BLUFF OYSTER & FOOD FESTIVAL
The Bluff Oyster Festival which was to be held on 20 May 2023, has been cancelled due to an unsafe building next to the venue.
http://bluffoysterfest.co.nz/ enquiries@bluffoysterfest.co.nz
Complementing the sumptuous Bluff Oyster is a variety of seafood. Crayfish, Paua, Scallops, Salmon, Blue Cod and Whitebait in abundance. Local fare that will tempt any taste buds, sought after muttonbird, venison, lamb, beef and pork, which can be washed down with a great southern ale or one of the fine selection of New Zealand wines.
TICKETS - Ticketec.
BLUFF OYSTER SEASON
Grown slowly in the cold clean waters of the Foveaux Strait, Bluff oysters are thought by many to be the best oysters in the world.
In season, (March till about August) they are dredged by Bluff’s oyster fleet.
Find out more at https://www.bluff.co.nz/oystering
Fresh Oysters are available in season at the 4Square Supermarket in Gore Street, and at Fowlers Oysters, Ocean Beach Road, (03) 212 9792 – on the left as you approach Bluff on State Highway 1.
STREET MURALS
In February 2021 15 of New Zealand's best street artists took to the streets of Bluff for the second edition of the South Sea Spray - called Motupōhue.
The talented results can be seen on the walls of Bluff's buildings. Each artist was asked to make a conscious effort to paint something relevant to Bluff. A similar project took place in Riverton in 2018.
Artists Flox, Trustme, Dcypher, Charles & Janine Williams, MrG, Kell Sunshine, Yikes, Erika Pearce, Berst, Shane Walkers, Ikarus, Koryu and Sean Duffell were part of the festival.
BLUFF MARITIME MUSEUM
Foreshore Road, (03) 212 7534
Exhibits include whaling, oystering, shipwrecks and a working steam engine from the TST Awarua. Pride of place is the oyster boat Monica II situated beside the museum with a replica seabed and oyster dredges.
STEWART ISLAND EXPERIENCE FERRY SERVICES
21 Foreshore Road (03) 212 7660
The Stewart Island Experience passenger ferry cruises across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Halfmoon Bay, Oban. The trip is 1 hour long. Get a glimpse of the experience in this video
SHARK EXPERIENCE
CAGE DIVING AND SHARK SIGHTING
64 Gore Street, Bluff. (03) 2127112
http://www.sharkexperience.co.nz/
Season: 2022 Season is now closed
Taking bookings now for next season: 1st Dec 2022 to June 2023
WATCH: Shark Lockdown for sharks in Foveaux Strait in 2021
MOTUPŌHUE (BLUFF HILL)
Flagstaff Road.
Panoramic views of Southland, Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island. Bluff Hill/Motupōhue Scenic Reserve is ideal for groups wanting to explore the human and natural history of the Stirling Point area in Bluff. The summit can be driven or walked to via either the Tōpuni or the Millennium tracks.
STIRLING POINT
Stirling Point International Signpost
The beginning of State Highway One is less than 1 km from your unit. Have THAT famous photo taken and explore the Foveaux Walking Track from here.
Restaurant, Winebar, Cafe, Gift Shop and Accommodation.
BLUFF CENTRAL
Gore Street, Bluff.
New Visitor / Information Centre coming soon. Wander along Gore Street and see Bluff's heritage buildings, learn about local history and the Aurora Australis.
BLUFF GOLF COURSE
Omaui Road (Greenhills)
Southernmost 9-hole golf course in New Zealand.
Club days – Wednesday: Women, Saturday: Men, Twilight Wednesday 5 pm.
WALKING TRACKS
The network of walking tracks at Bluff Hill are a nature lover’s delight, with abundant native birdlife and flora, much of which is rare except on island sanctuaries. Coastal tracks offer stunning views over the ocean, and in the winter you may just be lucky enough to spot a rare Southern Right Whale (Tohorā). A viewing platform on the summit of Bluff Hill provides amazing panoramic views.
Foveaux Walkway: Stirling Point to Lookout Point (3124m, 60 minutes one way)
Topuni Track: Stirling Point to Bluff Hilltop (1667m, 50 minutes one way)
Glory Track: Tópuni Track to Foveaux Walkway (2137m, 60 minutes one way)
Millennium Track: Lookout Point to Bluff Hilltop (1717m, 55 minutes one way)
Ocean Beach Track: Lookout Point to Ocean Beach (4178m, 90 minutes one way)
Pearce Street Track: Pearce Street to McDougall Street (20 minutes one way)
SOUTH PORT
NZ History 3 Dec, 1960. Bluff Island Harbour opened
〰️
NZ History 3 Dec, 1960. Bluff Island Harbour opened 〰️
Island Harbour, Southland’s Port, operated by South Port NZ Ltd
South Port is New Zealand’s southernmost commercial deepwater port. From its base on the 40ha man-made Island Harbour, South Port provides a full range of marine services, cargo and container shipping, and on-site warehousing for domestic and international customers. The port is ideally situated to service Southland’s significant export and import industries including aluminium, timber, fisheries, dairy, meat, wood chips, stock food, cement, alumina, fertiliser and petroleum products.
Tours available by contacting South Port office (03)212 8159
BIKING TRAILS
The local mountain bike club have developed a network of trails on Bluff Hill. Access from McDougall Street
GREENPOINT DOMAIN SHIPS’ GRAVEYARD
This walkway begins opposite the Greenpoint Cemetry. Approx. leisurely walking time [one way] is 15 minutes. Southland's ships' graveyard at Greenpoint has at least 14 small ships and former oyster boats including the Kekeno, Dispatch, Hirere, Savaii, Sir William Wallace, Miro and Rita, which can be seen at low tide
