Millennium Track (Bluff Hill/Motupohue)

Loop

The final leg of the circuit connects with the Foveaux Walkway. This is a much gentler, mostly flat coastal path that meanders back toward Stirling Point. It’s the perfect "warm-down" stretch, allowing you to walk right alongside the rocky shoreline with the Southern Ocean crashing just metres away. Whether you are a local out for a weekend "mission" or a tourist ticking off a bucket-list destination, this loop is a fantastic way to experience the rugged beauty of Southland.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Millennium Track and its surrounding loop are packed with "Instagrammable" moments and historical gems. Here are the bits you shouldn’t miss:

• The Stirling Point Signpost: It’s the ultimate New Zealand photo op. Even if you aren't a fan of "tourist traps," there is something deeply satisfying about standing at the start of State Highway 1.
• The Motupōhue Summit: At 265 metres, this is the best vantage point in the region. There are viewing platforms that help you identify the landmarks across the strait.
• WWII Bunkers: Exploring the gun emplacements adds a layer of mystery to the walk. These relics are surprisingly well-preserved and offer a glimpse into New Zealand’s coastal defence history.
• Lookout Point & Memorial: Located where the Millennium Track meets the Foveaux Walkway, this spot features a moving memorial for those lost in a 1998 air crash. It’s a quiet, reflective place with a stunning backdrop.
• Coastal Tussocks: The section of the Millennium Track just below the summit features unique, wind-swept vegetation that has been shaped by the "Roaring Forties" winds. It feels incredibly wild and exposed in the best possible way.

Getting There

Bluff is approximately a 25-minute drive south of Invercargill. To reach the trailhead, follow State Highway 1 all the way to its southern terminus.

Parking: Most hikers choose to park at the Stirling Point car park. It’s the most convenient spot for starting the loop, as it puts you right at the entrance to the Topuni Track and brings you back directly to your car via the Foveaux Walkway.

If Stirling Point is full—which can happen during the busy summer months or the Bluff Oyster Festival—there are additional amenities located at the base of Motupōhue Bluff Hill off Pearce Street. This area is part of the Motupōhue Adventure Park and includes a car park, toilet block, and even a bike wash station if you’ve been exploring the local MTB trails.

Wildlife Spotting

Bluff Hill is a haven for native birdlife, thanks to ongoing predator control efforts in the area. As you move through the forest sections of the Topuni Track, keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī. They are very common here year-round and are often seen diving between the flowering kōwhai or flax.

You are also likely to encounter the Fantail (Pīwakawaka), which will often flit along the track beside you, catching the insects you stir up as you walk. Look up into the canopy to spot the New Zealand Pigeon (Kererū); these large, heavy birds make a distinctive "whooshing" sound with their wings as they fly.

Down on the coastal sections of the Foveaux Walkway, the birdlife changes. Keep an eye on the rocky outcrops for the Stewart Island Shag (Koau) and the ever-present Black-backed Gull (Karoro). If you are walking near dusk, you might even be lucky enough to spot a Little Blue Penguin (Kororā) returning to the rocks, though they are quite shy and occasional visitors.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Bluff is famous for its "invigorating" weather, but the Millennium Track is a great walk in any season if you come prepared.

• Spring: The bush is alive with new growth, and the birdlife is particularly active and vocal.
• Summer: This is the best time for clear views across to Stewart Island. However, the coastal sun can be biting, so bring plenty of sun protection.
• Autumn: The air is often crisper and the winds slightly calmer, making for excellent hiking conditions.
• Winter: Bluff can be moody and dramatic in winter. While it’s colder, seeing a storm roll in across the Foveaux Strait from the safety of the summit is an unforgettable experience.

• Windbreaker/Rain Jacket: Even on a sunny day, the wind at the summit can be piercing. Bluff is exposed to the "Roaring Forties," so a windproof layer is essential.
• Sturdy Footwear: While the tracks are well-maintained, the Millennium Track descent is steep, and the coastal path can be slippery after rain.
• Water & Snacks: There are no water stations on the trail itself, so carry at least a litre of water per person.
• Camera/Phone: You’ll want this for the summit views and the Stirling Point sign.

Dog & Kid Friendly: This walk is a fantastic option for families. Kids will love exploring the WWII bunkers, and the track is wide enough in most places for a safe family hike. Dogs are also welcome, making it a popular choice for locals taking their furry friends for a weekend "zoomie" around the hill.

Local & Regional Context

Motupōhue (the Māori name for Bluff Hill) translates roughly to "islet of the climbing plant," likely referring to the native bindweed or clematis found in the area. For local iwi, the hill is a waahi tapu (sacred site) and holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. It was a key lookout point and a place of resource gathering for centuries before European arrival.

Geologically, Bluff Hill is an igneous intrusion, much older and harder than the surrounding Southland Plains. This is why it stands so prominently as a lone peak at the edge of the sea. Its height and position made it a natural choice for early maritime pilots and, later, for the military defences you see today.

Today, the area is managed with a strong focus on conservation. The Motupōhue Environment Trust works tirelessly to restore the native forest and protect the birdlife, ensuring that the "wild" feeling of the hill is preserved for future generations.

After the Walk

One of the best things about hiking in Bluff is the "refuelling" options available within minutes of the trail's end.

• Oyster Cove Restaurant & Bar: Located right at Stirling Point, just a few hundred metres from the finish line. It offers spectacular 180-degree views of the strait. It is the place to go if you want to reward yourself with world-famous Bluff Oysters or fresh blue cod.
• Hayz At The Anchorage: A short 2.5km drive into the township, this award-winning spot offers modernised traditional Māori cuisine. It’s a great place to try regional delicacies like mutton bird (tītī).
• Stella's In Bluff: Perfect for a more casual vibe. This cafe is known for its great coffee and relaxed atmosphere—ideal for a post-hike brunch.
• Bluff Cafe, Kawhe: A charming, quirky spot further into town. They do a fantastic seafood chowder that is particularly soul-warming if you’ve just finished a walk in a stiff southerly wind.
• Golden Age Tavern: If you’re after a classic Kiwi pub experience to toast your successful hike, this is the place. It’s friendly, unpretentious, and full of local character.

Hayz At The Anchorage

2.5km away

An award-winning restaurant offering modernised traditional Māori cuisine, focusing on fresh local seafood and regional delicacies like mutton bird (tītī).