Foveaux Walkway

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Foveaux Walkway is a photographer’s dream, but even if you aren’t carrying a heavy camera, there are several "must-see" moments that make this trail special:

• Stirling Point Signpost: Before you even start the walk, you have to take the obligatory photo at the world-famous signpost. It points the way to London, New York, and the Equator, firmly cementing the feeling that you are standing at the edge of the world.
• Panoramic Strait Vistas: The views across the Foveaux Strait are the real hero here. On a clear day, the horizon is dominated by the blue silhouette of Rakiura (Stewart Island). You’ll also spot the tiny, solitary Dog Island Lighthouse and the low-lying Ruapuku Island.
• The Foveaux Memorial: Located at Lookout Point, this is a poignant spot to stop and reflect while taking in the 180-degree ocean views.
• WWII History: If you decide to take a slight detour on the way back via the Glory Track, you can visit the historic World War II gun pits. These concrete relics are a silent reminder of Bluff’s strategic importance during the war years and offer a touch of "hidden history" for those willing to venture into the bush.
• Te Araroa Connection: For those with a sense of adventure, it’s thrilling to know you are walking a section of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s 3,000km trail that stretches all the way to Cape Reinga.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is incredibly straightforward. Simply follow State Highway 1 south until you literally cannot go any further. The highway ends at Stirling Point in Bluff.

There is ample parking available at the Stirling Point car park. Because this is a popular spot for tourists visiting the signpost, it can get busy on sunny weekends, but people tend to move through quickly. You’ll also find public toilet facilities here, which is handy before you set off on your two-hour return journey.

Wildlife Spotting

The Foveaux Walkway is a haven for birdlife and marine mammals. Because the track moves between dense bush and open coastline, you get the best of both worlds.

In the forested sections, keep your ears open for the friendly chatter of the Fantail (pīwakawaka), which often follows hikers to catch the insects stirred up by their footsteps. You’ll also likely see Silvereyes, and if you look higher into the canopy, you might spot the heavy-set New Zealand Pigeon (kererū) or hear the melodic chime of the Bellbird (korimako).

Out on the water, the sightings get even more exciting. Keep an eye on the rocky outcrops below the track; New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) are known to bask on the rocks or play in the surf, particularly during the cooler months. If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, look further out for the Sooty Shearwater (tītī) as they migrate in massive numbers.

For the truly lucky winter visitor, the Foveaux Strait is a highway for Southern Right Whales. While sightings aren't guaranteed, bringing a pair of binoculars is a great idea—scanning the horizon for a tell-tale "blow" of water can turn a simple walk into a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

One of the best things about the Foveaux Walkway is that it is truly a year-round destination. However, each season brings its own flavour:

• Summer: Offers the most settled weather and long twilight hours. It’s the best time for a late afternoon walk to watch the sun dip low over the strait.
• Autumn: The air is often crisp and clear, providing the sharpest views of Stewart Island.
• Winter: This is the prime time for whale spotting and seeing the fur seals at their most active. The "Roaring Forties" winds can be fierce, but there is something incredibly soul-stirring about seeing the Southern Ocean in its full, stormy glory.
• Spring: Watch the native bush come alive with new growth and listen for the increased birdsong as the locals begin their nesting season.

• The Wind: This is the bottom of the South Island, and there is nothing between you and Antarctica. Even on a sunny day, the wind can have a real "bite" to it. Bring a windproof jacket.
• Footwear: While the track is easy and well-formed, it can get a little slippery after rain. Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes are perfectly fine.
• Sun Protection: The Southern sun is famously harsh. Even if it feels cool because of the breeze, wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Dogs and Kids: This is a fantastic trail for the whole family. It’s kid-friendly due to the low elevation and interesting landmarks. It is also dog-friendly, though it’s best to keep your four-legged friends on a lead to protect the local wildlife and respect other walkers.

Local & Regional Context

To walk the Foveaux Walkway is to walk through a landscape steeped in legend and industry. For Māori, Motupōhue (Bluff Hill) is a site of immense cultural significance. It is considered a taonga (treasure) and is linked to the earliest arrivals of the Waitaha and Ngāti Māmoe people. The hill itself is said to be the anchor stone of the great canoe of Maui, with Stewart Island (Rakiura) being the anchor.

Bluff is also famous for its maritime history. As you look out over the strait, you are looking at the home of the world-famous Bluff Oyster. The cold, clean, turbulent waters of the Foveaux Strait are what give these oysters their unique, intense flavour. The town’s identity is inextricably linked to the sea, from the fishing boats you see in the harbour to the historical coastal defences hidden in the bush.

After the Walk

After two hours of salt air and coastal views, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find some of the best kai in the region.

• Oyster Cove Restaurant & Bar: You couldn’t ask for a more convenient spot. Located right at Stirling Point, this is the place to go for a celebratory post-hike meal. They specialise in local seafood, so if it’s oyster season (March to August), this is your chance to try the real deal while looking out at the very water they came from.
• Hayz At The Anchorage: A few minutes' drive back into Bluff, this award-winning spot offers a modern take on Māori cuisine. Their pāua wontons and Rakiura salmon are legendary.
• Stellas In Bluff: For something more casual, Stellas is a great local favourite for a big breakfast or a coffee and a slice of cake.
• Eagle Hotel: If you’re after a classic Kiwi pub experience, head here for a hearty meal and a cold pint. It’s a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and warm up by the fire if you’ve been out on a chilly winter walk.

The Foveaux Walkway isn't just a track; it's an introduction to the soul of the South. It's easy enough for a casual stroll but beautiful enough to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned hiker.

Hayz At The Anchorage

2.5km away

An award-winning restaurant and cafe in Bluff, known for modernised traditional Māori cuisine using fresh local seafood, including mutton bird, pāua wontons, and Rakiura salmon.