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Riverton / Aparima
500 metres
18 minutes
50 metres
If you find yourself wandering through the charming coastal town of Riverton—or Aparima, as it is known to Māori—you are already in one of the most picturesque corners of the South Island. Known affectionately by locals as the "Riviera of the South," this township serves as a gateway to the wild, rugged beauty of Southland. While there are many ways to experience this landscape, few offer as much "bang for your buck" as the Hilltop Lookout Track within Mores Scenic Reserve.
At just 500 metres long, this isn't an endurance test or a back-country epic. Instead, it is a delightful, accessible, and soul-soothing stroll that places the entire region at your feet. Whether you are a local taking the dog for a quick afternoon run or a tourist looking for that perfect panoramic photo of the Southern Ocean, this track is an absolute must-do.
The journey begins at the Mores Scenic Reserve carpark, perched on the slopes of Howells Hill. From the moment you step out of your car, you’re greeted by the refreshing scent of native podocarp forest and the salty tang of the Foveaux Strait breeze. The Hilltop Lookout Track is an "out and back" walk, meaning you’ll head up to the summit and return the same way, though it also connects to a wider network of trails if you’re feeling more adventurous.
The terrain consists of a well-maintained gravel track. While the path is short, it does head steadily uphill to gain its 50 metres of elevation. It’s the kind of climb that gets the heart rate up just enough to make you feel like you’ve earned the view, but it’s over before you know it—usually taking about 10 to 15 minutes of easy walking.
As you ascend, the forest closes in around you. It’s a lush, green world of ferns, mosses, and ancient trees. For families with little ones, it’s a fantastic "starter hike." The track is wide enough for kids to explore safely, and because the destination is so close, there’s no time for the dreaded "are we there yet?" to set in. Even better, your four-legged friends are more than welcome here, provided they are kept on a lead, making it a favourite spot for Riverton’s dog-walking community.
The undeniable star of the show is the summit view. Once you reach the lookout point atop Howells Hill, the forest parts to reveal a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. To the north and east, you’ll see the charming township of Riverton nestled along the estuary, with the Jacobs River snaking its way inland.
There is plenty of parking space available in the tarmacked carpark at Mores Scenic Reserve. Public toilets and picnic tables are also provided at the carpark/viewing point area.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2.4km away
Boasts sweeping sea views from its prime spot on Riverton Rocks Highway, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with local produce and fresh baking.
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Out and back
Look south, and the view opens up to the vast, shimmering expanse of the Foveaux Strait (Te Ara a Kiwa). On a clear day, the horizon is dominated by the jagged, misty silhouette of Stewart Island (Rakiura). Seeing the third-largest island of New Zealand sitting so prominently on the horizon is a powerful reminder of just how far south you’ve travelled.
The lookout is also a fantastic geological vantage point. You can clearly see the "Riverton Rocks" coastline and the way the land meets the sea in a series of rugged bays and sandy sweeps. For the photographers among us, the golden hour just before sunset turns the estuary into a mirror and casts a pink glow over the distant hills—it is, quite simply, world-class.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward. From the centre of Riverton, head towards the coast and follow the signs for Mores Scenic Reserve on Richard Street, which leads you up Howells Hill. The road winds upward until you reach a large, tarmacked carpark.
The parking area itself is excellent—plenty of room even during the busier summer months. The local council has done a great job with the facilities here; you’ll find clean public toilets and several picnic tables situated near the viewing points. It’s an ideal spot to unpack a lunch before or after your walk while soaking in the coastal air.
Mores Scenic Reserve is a vital sanctuary for native birdlife, and because the forest is so healthy, you are almost guaranteed a feathered encounter. Keep your eyes peeled for the friendly Fantail (pīwakawaka), which often flutters alongside hikers, darting in and out of the bush to catch insects stirred up by your footsteps.
The melodic, bell-like notes of the Tūī and the Bellbird (korimako) provide a constant soundtrack to the walk. If you look up into the canopy of the larger trees, you might spot the heavy, white-chested Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched on a branch or hear the distinctive whoosh of its wings as it flies overhead.
A lucky few might even spot a Weka skulking through the undergrowth. These flightless, inquisitive birds are famous for their bold personalities, though they can be quite elusive. The best tip for wildlife spotting here is to find a bench, sit quietly for five minutes, and let the bush come to life around you.
The Hilltop Lookout Track is truly a walk for all seasons, but each time of year brings its own flavour:
This land holds deep significance beyond its natural beauty. For local Māori, particularly the Ngāi Tahu iwi, this area is wahi tapu (a sacred or treasured place). The name Aparima refers to the river and the surrounding land, carrying stories that stretch back centuries. Visitors are asked to show respect for the heritage of the reserve by staying on the marked tracks and taking all litter home with them.
The reserve is named after the More family, early European settlers who gifted the land to the people of Riverton. It stands today as a testament to the community's long-standing commitment to conservation, ensuring that the ancient podocarp forest—which once covered much of this coastline—remains protected for future generations to enjoy.
Once you’ve descended from the hilltop and filled your lungs with fresh air, you’ll likely be ready for some local hospitality. Riverton has a fantastic food scene for a small town:
The Hilltop Lookout Track might be one of the shortest walks in Southland, but it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. It captures the essence of Riverton—where the forest meets the sea, and where a little bit of effort leads to an unforgettable perspective.
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
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
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
Gallirallus australis
Flightless rail known for bold, inquisitive behaviour. Found mainly in the South Island and some offshore islands.
Best time: Year-round
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