LOCAL BUZZ Melissa Thoroughgood Melissa, gallery owner/ elopement wedding planner and photographer shares five hidden gems in Southland
1. Riverton/Aparima: Riverton is the coolest beach town with a main street full of arty and retro shops and great cafés and restaurants. Hector’s dolphins often swim up the harbour on their way to feed in the estuary. Taramea Bay is a beautiful family-friendly beach and a popular summer hangout for Southlanders. Our daughter loves visiting the rock pools at low tide then heading up to Mores Reserve for a native bush walk to find painted stones left along the track for kids to discover. From the Mores Reserve Lookout there are 360 degree views to Fiordland, Stewart Island and Bluff. Riverton is also a well-known surf spot with the longest wave in New Zealand! Jess at Southland Surf School runs surfing classes for beginners through the summer. 2. The Long Hilly Loop Track goes through a small section of the Roundhill goldfield. It’s an easy walk through native bush and passes gold-mining relics, old sluices and water races.
3. Te Hikoi Southern Journey is one of the country’s best small museums with lots of interesting displays on the history of Western Southland – early Māori settlement, whaling, gold mining and more. The kids will love the rock room where they can explore and identify all the amazing rocks found on local beaches. 4. Gemstone Beach: A wild West Coast beach with stunning views across Te Waewae Bay to Stewart Island and the mountains of Fiordland. A perfect spot for rock-hounds and geology buffs looking for stone treasures. 5. Cosy Nook: A picturesque, rocky cove with a cluster of old fishing cribs that looks like it’s straight out of a film set. It’s also the site of an important early Māori settlement and full of interesting history.
BLUFF IS THE GATEWAY TO STEWART
Northern & Western Southland
Otago / Southland
Gemstone Beach, Riverton/Aparima © Deb Racz BELOW: Bluff oysters © Miles Holden
T
he main centre of Western Southland, Riverton boasts a thriving community of artists, potters, jewellers, furniture-makers and textile workers. Pop into the Riverton Arts Centre or one of the many great shops and come away with a one-of-a-kind piece of art. One of the oldest settlements in New Zealand, it’s also rich in history. Budding photographers can take a guided photography tour here.
adventurous characters and hear engaging stories. Guided tours start from here and take you to fossick the beaches and dig for history. Tuatapere is surrounded by fascinating scenery. The spectacular Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a 43km circuit that starts and ends at the western side of Te Waewae Bay. Other activities include visiting limestone caves and sampling the town’s renowned sausages.
Many geological attractions are found in the area, including Colac Bay, the surfing capital of Southland, and Gemstone Beach where it is possible to find your own sapphire stone on the beautiful, wild beach.
There’s plenty to do in Winton. Enjoy southern hospitality at the cafés and pubs, follow the heritage trail, visit the quaint gift shops, enjoy a game of golf at the 18-hole course, go fishing on the Oreti River or explore the Forest Hill and Dunsdale scenic reserves.
Te Hikoi Southern Journey museum is the ultimate heritage experience of the south where you can take an interactive journey with
Immerse yourself in a farming station in Northern Southland. Enjoy a horse trek or nip into Lumsden’s quirky cafés and bars.
RIVERTON
situated on an estuary • 39km NW of Invercargill
ISLAND BUT BEFORE YOU GO, CLIMB BLUFF HILL FOR VIEWS OF THE ISLAND FROM AFAR. AND THROW A WORLDFAMOUS BLUFF OYSTER DOWN YOUR THROAT. ONE IS NEVER ENOUGH.
BLUFF
formerly Campbelltown • 27km S of Invercargill on SH 1
BLUFF CAMPING GROUND
• For your stop-off to Stewart Island. • A place to stay in the south. • Hard, grass powered sites. Centrally located. • Kitchen & dining area with deck & harbourside views. • Shower & laundry. Children’s playground. • Waste station. Unlimited WiFi. 21 Gregory St (off Marine Pde) Bluff • P: +64 27 626 2018 www.bluffcampingground.co.nz • E: procter01@xtra.co.nz
www.colacbay.co.nz
• Quiet seaside village • Welcoming tavern/bistro meals • Sheltered, sunny outdoor seating • FREE WIFI
15 Colac Bay Road • Colac Bay • Riverton • P: +64 3 234 8399 • E: wazzabevin@gmail.com 47
