Glory Track

Loop

What sets the Glory Track apart from your standard bush walk is its dual personality: it’s half nature retreat and half history lesson.

The WWII Remnants: This is arguably the highlight for many. Bluff played a vital strategic role in New Zealand’s coastal defence during World War II, and the Glory Track takes you right past the evidence. You’ll encounter well-preserved gun emplacements and an old lookout bunker. Standing in these concrete relics, looking out over the water, you get a real sense of what it must have been like for the soldiers stationed here, scanning the horizon for enemy ships. It’s a poignant bit of history that adds a layer of depth to the scenery.

Panoramic Viewpoints: Once you reach the higher vantage points on Bluff Hill, the views are nothing short of world-class. You’ll see the Dog Island Lighthouse standing stoically in the middle of the strait, and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean beyond. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially if you catch the light hitting the water just right.

The Bush Canopy: Thanks to the incredible work of the Motupōhue Environment Trust, the bush here is thriving. The layers of ferns, mosses, and ancient trees create a prehistoric feel that is quintessentially New Zealand.

Getting There

Bluff is about a 25-minute drive south of Invercargill. Once you reach the township, simply follow the main road (State Highway 1) all the way to its very end. You can’t miss it—it literally stops at the ocean.

Parking: There is a large, well-signposted car park at Stirling Point. It has public toilets and plenty of space, though it can get busy during the peak of summer or when the oyster season is in full swing. Alternative Access: If the main car park is full, or if you want to start from a slightly different angle, you can also access the track from the Gunpit Road car park. This puts you a bit closer to the historical sites right from the get-go.

Wildlife Spotting

If you’re a bird lover, you’re in for a treat. The Glory Track is a success story for local conservation. Because of intensive predator control, the native bird population has absolutely boomed.

As you walk, you’ll almost certainly be serenaded by Tūī and Bellbirds (Korimako). Their melodic, bell-like calls echo through the trees, often making the bush sound much louder than you’d expect. Look out for the cheeky Fantail (Piwakawaka)—these little guys are famous for following hikers, darting through the air to catch the insects you disturb as you walk.

If you’re quiet and keep your eyes peeled, you might spot a Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch, or even a South Island Robin hopping along the forest floor. Down near the shoreline at the start and end of the loop, you’ll see Black-backed Gulls soaring over the waves, keeping a watchful eye on the harbour.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Glory Track is a true year-round destination, but each season brings a different vibe to the southern coast.

• Spring & Summer: These are the best times for bird activity and wildflowers. The days are long, and if you’re lucky, the "Roaring Forties" winds will take a day off, giving you glassy sea views.
• Autumn & Winter: While it’s colder, the air is often incredibly crisp and clear, making the views of Rakiura even sharper. The bush provides excellent shelter from the wind, making it a great winter "escape."

Best time to start: Aim for the morning. The light hitting the Foveaux Strait is beautiful early in the day, and you’re more likely to catch the birds at their most vocal.

• Layers: Even on a sunny day, the wind at Stirling Point can be biting. A good windbreaker or fleece is essential.
• Footwear: While the track is easy, it can be slippery after rain. Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes are perfectly fine.
• Water & Snacks: It’s only an hour-long walk, but you’ll want to stay hydrated, especially if you stop to explore the bunkers.
• Sun protection: The southern sun is surprisingly strong, even when it’s cool. Slip, slop, slap!

Local & Regional Context

Motupōhue (Bluff Hill) is a site of immense significance. For local Māori, it is a wāhi tapu (sacred place) with deep ancestral ties. It’s also a geological landmark, standing as a volcanic outcrop that provides the only real elevation in an otherwise flat Southland landscape.

The Motupōhue Environment Trust deserves a special mention here. Their tireless work in trapping pests and planting native trees has transformed this area from a struggling forest into a vibrant ecosystem. When you walk the Glory Track, you’re seeing the results of thousands of hours of community mahi (work).

Bluff itself is one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand, and that sense of history is baked into the landscape—from the maritime industry to the old military defences you’ll see on the trail.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished the loop and returned to Stirling Point, you’ve earned a treat. You’re in Bluff, after all—it would be a crime not to sample the local fare.

• Oyster Cove Restaurant & Bar: Located right at Stirling Point, just a 30-second walk from the trailhead. If you want a bit of luxury, this is the spot. They serve world-famous Bluff Oysters (when in season) and have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the strait.
• Galley Takeaways: For something more casual, head back into the township (about a 2-minute drive). Grab a scoop of chips and some fresh blue cod. It’s a classic Kiwi experience to eat fish and chips by the harbour.
• Bluff Hotel: If you’re after a cold pint and some classic pub grub, this historic hotel is the heart of the community. It’s a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and soak up the authentic Bluff atmosphere.

The Glory Track isn’t just a walk; it’s an introduction to the spirit of the Deep South. It’s short enough for a quick detour but interesting enough to stay in your memory long after you’ve left the bottom of the world behind.

Galley Takeaways

1.7km away

A classic Kiwi takeaway spot in Bluff, perfect for a casual post-hike feed of fresh fish and chips, often featuring local catches.