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Stirling Point, Bluff
3.4 km
1 hour
70 metres
If you’ve made it all the way to the bottom of the South Island, you’re likely heading for the famous black-and-yellow signpost at Stirling Point. It’s the quintessential "I was here" photo op, marking the southern terminus of State Highway 1. But before you jump back in the car and head north again, there is a hidden gem right under your nose that offers much more than just a selfie.
The Glory Track is a local favourite that perfectly captures the rugged, salt-sprayed soul of Bluff. This 3.4km loop is an easy, accessible journey that takes you from the edge of the wild Foveaux Strait deep into the lush, emerald heart of Motupōhue (Bluff Hill). Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a leg-stretcher or a family with kids and a dog in tow, this track delivers a massive "bang for your buck" in terms of views, history, and nature.
The walk begins at the iconic Stirling Point, where the air is almost always thick with the scent of salt and the sound of the ocean crashing against the rocky shoreline. From the car park, you’ll start on a well-formed path that eases you into the experience. Many locals like to combine the Glory Track with sections of the Foveaux Walkway, creating a slightly larger circuit, but the Glory Track itself is a beautifully self-contained loop.
As you leave the exposed coastline and duck into the forest, the transition is immediate. One moment you’re bracing against the brisk southern breeze, and the next, you’re enveloped in the stillness of dense native bush. The track winds its way gently upwards—don’t worry, the 70-metre elevation gain is spread out enough that it never feels like a slog. It’s the kind of walk where you can actually hold a conversation without getting winded.
Underfoot, the path is solid and well-maintained, making it a great choice even if the Southland weather has been a bit "refreshing" (damp) lately. The canopy of broadleaf and podocarp trees acts like a natural umbrella, providing a sheltered sanctuary. As you climb, keep an eye out through the gaps in the foliage. Every few hundred metres, the bush opens up to reveal staggering views of the Foveaux Strait. On a clear day, the horizon is dominated by the blue silhouette of Rakiura (Stewart Island), looking so close you feel like you could almost reach out and touch it.
Parking is readily available at Stirling Point car park, which also features public toilets. Alternatively, access can be made from the Gunpit Road car park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located just a short stroll from Stirling Point, this restaurant offers superb dining with a focus on local seafood, particularly Bluff oysters in season, and boasts stunning views over Foveaux Strait.
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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.
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.
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.
The Glory Track is a true year-round destination, but each season brings a different vibe to the southern coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica australis
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Males are dark grey-black; females are paler.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
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.
1.7km away
A historic local pub in Bluff township offering a relaxed atmosphere for a refreshing drink and classic pub fare after your walk.