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Bluff Hill/Motupohue
7.4 km
2 hours 30 minutes
304 metres
If you’ve made it all the way to the bottom of the South Island, you simply cannot leave without standing atop Bluff Hill/Motupōhue. While many visitors snap a quick photo at the famous yellow signpost at Stirling Point and jump back in their cars, the real magic of this coastal outpost is found on your own two feet. The Millennium Track is the heart of a spectacular 7.4-kilometre loop that offers a bit of everything: dense native forest, haunting World War II history, and coastal views that make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
The journey typically begins at the Stirling Point car park. You’ll start your watch at the iconic signpost—where distances to London and New York are etched in wood—before heading into the treeline via the Topuni Track. This initial climb is an invigorating way to get the blood pumping. You’ll find yourself winding through lush native bush and light forest, where the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and salt spray. The gradient here is a bit of a mixed bag; you’ll tackle some steep lung-busters followed by gentler stretches that allow you to catch your breath and admire the ferns.
As you ascend toward the 265-metre summit, the forest begins to thin, and the historical character of the hill reveals itself. Keep an eye out for the weathered concrete remains of World War II gun emplacements and bunkers tucked into the hillside. It’s a poignant reminder of Bluff’s strategic importance during the 1940s.
Once you reach the summit of Bluff Hill/Motupōhue, the landscape transforms. The panoramic views from the top are, quite simply, world-class. To the south, the wild Foveaux Strait churns with whitecaps, and on a clear day, the jagged silhouette of Rakiura (Stewart Island) sits prominently on the horizon. To the east, you can spot the industrial sprawl of the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter, while to the north, the vast Southland Plains roll away toward Invercargill.
From the summit, you’ll transition onto the namesake Millennium Track for the descent. This 1.7-kilometre section is a highlight for many, carving a path through wind-shorn shrubland and hardy coastal tussock. Because the vegetation is lower here, you have near-continuous sea views as you head down toward Lookout Point. The track is well-formed but can be steep in places, so watch your footing on the way down.
Parking is available at the Stirling Point car park, which serves as a common starting point for the Bluff Hill Loop. Additional amenities, including a car park, toilet block, and bike wash station, are located at the base of Motupōhue Bluff Hill off Pearce Street, part of the wider Motupōhue Adventure 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
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
This large, colourful native pigeon (Kererū) is vital for forest regeneration, dispersing seeds of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located at Stirling Point with spectacular 180-degree views of Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island, renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, especially Bluff oysters, blue cod, and mussels.
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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.
The Millennium Track and its surrounding loop are packed with "Instagrammable" moments and historical gems. Here are the bits you shouldn’t miss:
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.
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.
Bluff is famous for its "invigorating" weather, but the Millennium Track is a great walk in any season if you come prepared.
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.
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.
One of the best things about hiking in Bluff is the "refuelling" options available within minutes of the trail's end.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
Eudyptula minor
These are the world's smallest penguins, known for their unique slate-blue feathers that help them camouflage in the ocean.
Best time: Year-round
Leucocarbo chalconotus
This shag species is notable for having two distinct colour morphs: a bronze-green phase and a pied phase.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
2.5km away
An award-winning restaurant offering modernised traditional Māori cuisine, focusing on fresh local seafood and regional delicacies like mutton bird (tītī).
2.5km away
A relaxed cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and coffee, with outdoor seating available. Known for being a good spot for a casual meal.
2.5km away
A friendly, local pub known for its welcoming atmosphere, offering a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits, and a place to unwind after exploring Bluff.
2.5km away
A charming and quirky cafe known for its friendly staff, delicious food including Bluff oysters and blue cod, and a unique atmosphere.