[ Southern Scenic Route ] [ Stewart Island Walks ] [ Bluff Walks ] [ Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track ] [ Riverton Walks ] [ Eco-tourism/Nature ] [ Dunedin ]

Southern Scenic Route Itinerary

The coastal journey along the Southern Scenic Route unlocks secrets found only in the south of the South Island, New Zealand. Discover the rugged southern coast and the majestic beauty of the jagged Fiordland mountains. Explore native bush, or stroll down a white sandy beach. Enjoy peace and solitude. Meander through colourful coastal fishing villages and venture down side roads to view wildlife.

Stay overnight along the way, meet and enjoy “southern hospitality”. Uncover the ancient secrets of this land which has been occupied by Maori for over 1,000 years and observe the natural features of the environment that led Ngai Tahu as the people of the land, down the same pathways you will travel.

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Non-guided Walks Itinerary

Stewart Island Walks: Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Most of the island has a dense cover of native bush, rain forest, sand dunes and wetlands, much of it uninhabited. Tramping tracks spread out from Halfmoon Bay and there are huts strategically placed throughout the northern and western areas of the island. Bush walks taking from half an hour to half a day will take you to various points of historic and scenic interest around the township. For the more adventurous there are 2 to 12 day tramps. Tall forest trees of kamahi and rimu, with the forest undergrowth comprising of lancewood, coprosmas, tree ferns and broadleaf. Parakeets, wood pigeons, fantails, kaka, tomtits and weka can often be seen on the local walks.

Bluff Walks: Bluff coastal walks incorporate the southernmost section of the New Zealand Walkway system. Construction of the Foveaux Walk began at the turn of the century. Wind-battered coastal shrubs protect Forest remnants of rimu, miro, kamahi and rata along the Glory Track. Native birdlife can be seen, and fur seals and southern right whales, once hunted almost to extinction, are now regular visitors, particular in the winter months.

Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track: The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is New Zealand's newest hiking track and provides a wide variety of scenery during the three-day/two night walking experience (requires reasonable fitness). The track passes through landscapes that include coastline, the world famous Waitutu coastal marine terraces, podocarp and beech forest, to sub-apline settings and spectacular sandstone outcrops. Walkers see unique wildlife which include seals, Hector's dolphins and kea. The area is rich in history for both Maori and European cultures. Key attractions are the recently restored Percy Burn Viaduct and the Edwin, Sandhill and Francis Burn Viaducts. The small town of Tuatapere is a good place to stay before and after the track with a small but character-filled variety of accommodation and eating options, and an impressive art gallery.

Riverton Walks: Riverton is a seaside village situated on the Southern Scenic Route. The settlement is a popular holiday destination because of its safe beaches. Riverton is one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand and was formally known as Jacobs River. Highlights of the area include bush walks, rich local history and exploring the surrounding coastline.

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