Southern Scenic Route to the end of NZ

We are driving our motorhome around New Zealand’s South Island on a 6-week road trip, and after a wonderful time seeing UNESCO sites and the famous Milford and Doubtful Sounds, we drove onto New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route, heading south.

Southern Alps viewed from the Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand (NZ

It’s a good drive, with the first part passing by wetlands and walks, and offering great views of the Southern Alps. The route begins further north, but we picked it up just outside Manapouri after our trip on Doubtful Sound. It’s correct name for the part we were on is the Blackmount-Redcliff Road, then it becomes the Clifden- Blackmont Road.

Marg on the historic Clifden Suspension Bridge, Southern Scenic Route, NZ

It took us to the interesting Clifden Suspension Bridge. Built in 1898-1899, it was the longest bridge in New Zealand at the time. It is now registered with the Historic Places Trust and although closed to vehicle traffic, you can still walk over it.

Te Waewae Bay, Southern Scenic Route, NZ

Heading further south, took us through Tuatapere to the coastline of Te Waewae Bay. This bay sits along the coast of Foveaux Strait, and is a marine mammal sanctuary. Enticed by regular glimpses of the Bay and the tiny one million-year-old Solander Islands, we followed the road which turned south-east.

Leigh at McCracken's Rest, Te Waewae Bay, Southland, NZ

Still on the Southern Scenic Route, our next stop was at McCracken’s Rest where we had a fantastic view of the turbulent waters of the Strait. Driving on, we soon arrived at Gemstone Bay. The sandy beach there is often the recipient of semi-precious gems such as garnet, jasper and quartz, that wash up in the stormy seas. 

Gemstone Bay Beach, NZ

Along with a few other ‘collectors’, we gathered some attractive pebbles, not really believing they are actual gemstone – but they are pretty! 

Next, we drove through the quaint town of Riverton/Aparima. The township is set in a very beautiful location between the Jacob’s River Estuary and several beaches edging the Foveaux Strait.

The harbour at Riverton/Aparima, Southland, NZ

This little town forms an attractive picture, with a charming port, harbouring colourful fishing boats, and streets bounded by quaint cottages, artists' studios, cafes, and interesting shops. At almost 200 years old, Riverton/Aparima is the oldest Pākehā settlement in Southland, and one of the earliest in New Zealand. 

Invercargill, NZ

Then we reached Invercargill, the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, one of the southernmost cities in the world, and the main commercial centre for this area. We drove around a lot seeing some interesting colonial architecture, but it was not very vibrant so instead of staying there, we continued on to Bluff, at the bottom on the South Island.

Stirling Point signpost, Bluff, NZ

Bluff is often thought to be the southernmost point in New Zealand, and thinking that, the signpost at Bluff’s Stirling Point has been the subject of many traveller photos; including ours! But actually, the southernmost point is Jacquemart in the Campbell Islands, 600 km south of Stewart Island. The signpost only marks the southern end of State Highway 1.

Quirky Bluff, NZ

The town is also the oldest Pākehā town in New Zealand, being established in 1824. It has a rich history of whaling, sealing and shipping, and is world famous for its Bluff oysters. We grabbed some oysters and fish’n’chips from the local takeaway when we arrived, and then headed to the Bluff Camping Ground for the night.

The next morning, caught the ferry to Stewart Island, but you can read about that in the next blog.

This is part of a bigger blog on our travels around the South Island of New Zealand. The first blog is called NZ's South Island in a motorhome.