Bluff is one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's past. The town's maritime museum showcases its rich history, focusing on whaling, oystering, and shipwrecks, providing an insightful look into the industries that shaped the region.

Southland’s port Motupōhue Bluff lies thirty kilometres south of Invercargill. The town has been permanently occupied since the establishment of a whaling station in 1836. Originally named Campbelltown, the local moniker “Bluff” (in reference to the prominent 265m conical hill which the township nestles beside) became the town’s official name in 1917. As one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand, Bluff has a rich history and many interesting attractions. It also offers many wonderful short walks, both bush and coastal, that showcase the stunning scenery and views.

Bluff's rugged character is a testament to its wild, untamed environment. The Greenpoint Domain walking track offers stunning views and a chance to appreciate the local flora and fauna. For those seeking a more challenging experience, Bluff Hill provides breathtaking vistas and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Apart from its natural attractions, Bluff offers a variety of activities for visitors:

Take a walk to Stirling Point, where you'll find the iconic signpost marking the beginning of State Highway 1, which spans the entire length of New Zealand. It is also the stepping-off point to a myriad of walking tracks. This vantage point provides extensive views over Te Ara-a-Kiwa – Foveaux Strait, Ruapuke, and out to Motupiu – Dog Island, home to New Zealand’s tallest and only stone lighthouse. The famed signage at the end of the road, with its directions and distances to key cities across the globe, places your location in context.

Motupohue Bluff Hill provides spectacular views over Te Ara-a-Kiwa – Foveaux Strait to Rakiura – Stewart Island, and along the coast and across the Southland plains. The hill is also a superb location from which to view Tahu-nui-a-Rangi (the Aurora Australia), Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster), and Puaka (Rigel). 

The Ocean Beach – Kahuariki provides a great location for viewing the night sky. It also gives walking access to the coastline.

Bluff Harbour and the adjourning Awarua Bay are excellent sites for observing coastal birds.

In Bluff itself, Argyle Beach, Stirling Point – Te Kanawera and the Foveaux Walkway all offer opportunities to watch a range of species, including terns, shags, penguins and petrels. Albatrosses can often be seen, especially when fishing vessels are returning to port.

Titi – Sooty shearwater, and korure–mottled petrel can be seen or heard from September to May around the Foveaux Walkway at dawn or dusk. Large rafts of titi frequent the harbour and Te Ara-a-Kiwa – Foveaux Strait at these times, making spectacular displays as they fly and feed in masse.

From spring to autumn, Awarua Bay provides rich feeding grounds for thousands of migratory waders fleeing the colder months of their Arctic breeding grounds. Kuala – bar-tailed godwits are the most numerous of these visitors, arriving after an epic journey from Western Alaska. 

The endangered tuturiwhatu – Southern New Zealand dotterel winters around the South shore of the bay, while marginal saltmarsh and peatlands provide feeding areas and nesting cover for cryptic natives; matuku-hurepo – Australasian bittern, koitareke – marsh crake, and matata – fernbird.

For those interested in maritime history, the Bluff Maritime Museum is a must-visit, with exhibits that bring the town's seafaring past to life. Adventure seekers can enjoy fishing charters, adventure cruises, and even a visit to a ship graveyard.

Located at 241 Foreshore Road on the Bluff waterfront.

The museum explores the technology and history of the former Awarua Radio ZLB station. It also features New Zealand’s communications from early telegraph and radio days through the modern era, including wired, radio and digital communications.

Talented artists from Southland Sea Spray have transformed some of Bluff's oldest buildings by creating vibrant and colourful murals; some are on walls that at 100 years old! The artwork is made by Kiwis, and their scale is impressive, with some of the murals being 40 metres long and 8 metres high.

Stewart Island – Rakiura is New Zealand’s third largest island and is located 30 kilometres south of Bluff across Foveaux Strait. Transport to the island by a 20-minute flight from Invercargill Airport or a one-hour ferry from Bluff. The island is home to the largest population of brown kiwi, approximately 15,000.

It was quite a gloomy day when we visited Bluff for our day tour stop, but the streets were filled with colourful street art, and I couldn’t help staring at each of them with awe. 

The old walls and buildings are turned into an open space gallery, a perfect backdrop for your travel photos. I learned that this creative initiative became possible through the help of some of New Zealand’s best street artists as part of the South Sea Spray project and exhibition.

In 2021, Artist Danny Owen (who paints under the name Deow) said 15 Kiwi artists painted more than 20 murals in the town of Bluff as part of the project. 

Bluff may be small, but it is a town rich in experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a contemporary street art enthusiast, or simply looking for a taste of authentic New Zealand culture, Bluff is a destination that should not be missed. Its combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and the warmth of its community make it a truly special place to visit on your New Zealand adventure. 

Until our next trip around New Zealand!