a selection of Southland s short walks contents pg

For the location of each walk see the centre page map on page 17 and 18.

Introduction 1 Information 2 Track Symbols 3 1 Mavora Lakes 5 2 Piano Flat 6 3 Glenure Allan Reserve 7 4 Waikaka Way Walkway 8 5 Croydon Bush, Dolamore Park Scenic Reserves 9,10 6 Dunsdale Reserve 11 7 Forest Hill Scenic Reserve 12 8 Kamahi/Edendale Scenic Reserve 13 9 Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve 13 10 Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve 14 11 Borland Nature Walk 14 12 Scenic Reserve 15 13 Alex McKenzie Park and Arboretum 15 14 Roundhill 16 Location of walks map 17,18 15 Mores Scenic Reserve 19,20 16 Taramea Bay Walkway 20 17 Sandy Point Domain 21-23 18 Estuary Walkway 24 19 Invercargill Parks & Gardens 25 20 Greenpoint Reserve 26 21 Bluff Hill/Motupohue 27,28 22 Waituna Viewing Shelter 29 23 30 24 Waipohatu Recreation Area 31 25 Slope Point 32 26 Waikawa 32 27 33 Wildlife viewing 34 Walks further afield 35 For more information 36 introduction to short Southland s walking tracks short walks Short walking tracks combine healthy exercise with the enjoyment of beautiful places. They take between 15 minutes and 4 hours to complete Southland is renowned for challenging tracks that are generally well formed and maintained venture into wild and rugged landscapes. Yet many of can be walked in sensible leisure footwear the region's most attractive places can be enjoyed in a are usually accessible throughout the year more leisurely way – without the need for tramping boots are suitable for most ages and fitness levels or heavy packs. may be suitable for wheelchairs or strollers have car parking available This booklet features a selection of Southland's short, accessible walking tracks. These walks invite you to sample the region's rich natural heritage – a diversity that encompasses mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and rocky for your shorelines. Natural remnants of native forest are dotted amongst safety the farmlands of the Southland Plains; precious Even the easiest walks need safety sense. reminders of the plant and animal communities that Be sure to once occupied the area. wear comfortable shoes Exploring ancient forests, windswept coastlines and dress for the weather (and be prepared for it to change) sheltered picnic places is easy - they are on the doorstep. stay on the track allow enough time to walk at your own pace All of the walks in this booklet are within a two hour drive keep young children in sight from Invercargill. take a snack and drink of water on longer walks Enjoy them! tell someone where you are going and when you will be back

choosing a Protect plants and animals Remove rubbish walk Keep streams and lakes clean Use the centre page map to choose where you want to go, Keep to the track then check the walk numbers against the matching descriptions. Consider others Respect our cultural heritage Symbols provide additional information about facilities, Enjoy your visit opportunities and requirements. See the next page for the symbols used at these walks. Toitu te whenua (leave the land undisturbed)

1 2 walking track walking track symbols symbols

Please note; Easy access short walk; suitable for people of all abilities, wheelchairs and strollers.

Walking track; well formed, easy, longer walks. disabled access walking track tramping track Tramping track; mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections.

This symbol does not appear throughout the brochure as parking is available at all sites.

toilets disabled access parking toilets

wildlife lookout interpretation panels

dogs on leash no dogs picnic area

swimming playground fishing

barbeque camping drinking water

3 1 Mavora Lakes 2 Piano Flat

Refer to location map on page 17 Refer to location map on page 18 A combination of picturesque mountains, lakes, beech Open river terraces nestled beneath Forest and forest and tussock grassland attracts a variety of high country pastures give Piano Flat special appeal for recreational activities. The area is part of Te Wahipounamu family outings. – South West – World Heritage Area. Ngahere Ara Track 30 minutes return South Mavora Track 2-3 hours one way An easy loop track starts beside the children's playground The track starts over the swing bridge at the outlet of the and is best walked in an anti-clockwise direction. North Lake, near the camping area and can be wet at times. This forest walk also features historic relics of goldmining It follows the Mararoa River downstream and hugs the activity. The natural surface can be muddy at times. shores of South Mavora Lake to the swing bridge at its outlet. Piano Flat Loop Track 1 hour return Access to this track is signposted off the Ngahere Ara Track. Kiwi Burn Loop Track 3 hours return It continues through beech forest and includes reminders of This is a tramping track suitable for families. It is signposted early saw-milling days. off the Mavora Road, 1.5 km north from Hikuraki Station Note: This is a less well-defined tramping track that requires homestead. some experience and average physical fitness. A short road leads to a swing bridge across the Mararoa River. From here it is an easy walk downstream to the Waikaia River Track 4 hours return confluence with the Kiwi Burn stream. A further 15 minutes Cross the wire swing bridge from the main camping area and walk up the Kiwi Burn is a trampers' hut, situated on a follow the Waikaia River upstream to a second swing bridge. pleasant grassy flat. Return downstream on the opposite bank and along the Flooding can occur during or after periods of heavy rain. road. Note: This is a tramping track which can be muddy and rough in places.

Ngahere Ara Loop Track Piano Flat Loop T rack Waikaia River Track

5 6 3 Glenure Allan Reserve 4 Waikaka Way Walkway

Since 1979, Balfour School children (with community help) Waikaka Way Walkway 45 minutes return have been responsible for tree planting, weeding and the This walking track starts at the northern end of Hamilton development of a short walking track at this small reserve Park and follows the Waikaka River exiting into Toronto on the slopes of Glenure Hill. The nearest public toilets are Street. There is parking available at both ends and public in Balfour. conveniences at Hamilton Park. There are other loop options for short walks off this track, in and around Loop Track 10 minutes return Hamilton Park, which is a large sports ground covering 20 The formed loop track through a small area of regenerating hectares. The Waikaka Way is relatively flat and follows the forest is relatively steep in places but offers wonderful contour of the riverbank. It is a picturesque little walk of views over Eastern Southland. Commemorative tree 1.3 km one way, side loop walks of up to 3 km's with access plantings and plaques recognise community members who opportunities for fishermen and lovely rural views of the have assisted with the Reserve's development and eastern hills. management.

Lumsden East To Gore 94 Balfour r Hamilton e iv Park R a k a ik a W Glenure

Caroline 4 Track 6 Streets

To Winton Dipton

7 8 5 Croydon Bush & Dolamore Park 5 Croydon Bush & Dolamore Park Scenic Reserves Scenic Reserves continued

Surrounded by farmland, Croydon Bush offers a glimpse of the forest, grassland and shrub communities that once Whisky Creek Track 2 hours return characterised much of Southland. Tracks through this bush The track is signposted off the boardwalk section of the take in native podocarp (pine) forest, including matai, rimu Dolamore Track and follows a ridge to waterfalls. This track and kahikatea. Crimson rata flowers are a summertime includes some steeper sections and muddy patches. A side feature. track to Poppelwells Lookout is well worthwhile for spectacular views over the Southland Plains (add 30 – 45 minutes to the total time). The loop is completed via a well- Dolamore Track 1 hour return (Part only) formed grass track from a car park and shelter off Domain A well-formed, gravel surfaced loop walk starts from the Road and returning to Dolamore Park. Dolamore Park picnic area, crosses Waimumu Stream and climbs gradually towards a ridge. A signposted side walk to a viewpoint adds approximately 30 minutes to the total Sequoia Track 40 minutes return Poppelwells walk time. A boardwalk section at the start of the track is Lookout accessible to wheelchairs. Croydon Bush offers a glimpse of Use the Fantail Ridge Track Croydon Bush the forest, grassland and shrub communities that once access to this track, which Scenic Reserve characterised much of Southland. begins at the Sequoia Plantation in Dolamore Park. A link with the Dolamore Park Fantail Ridge Track W h i s k y C r e e k Tr a c k 40 minutes return (via Sequoia Track) provides a variety of return The track is signposted from the Dolamore Park car park. options. It provides easy walking through both exotic and Note: A number of other regenerating native forest, and offers magnificent views of tramping tracks and routes Whisky Creek Track Southland. Return via the Sequoia Track or, for a longer start within Croydon Bush and Dolamore Track walk, follow the Whisky Creek Track back to Dolamore Park. are maintained by the Fantail Ridge Track Sequoia Track Hokonui Tramping Club.

Mandeville 94 Otamita Croydon McNab

Gore 5

Charlton

Waimumu

9 10 6 Dunsdale Reserve 7 Forest Hill Scenic Reserve

(Max 2 nights) (Tussock Creek only)

A forestry road provides access to this attractive remnant of Refer to location map on page 11 native forest, characterised by matai and kahikatea. A Forest Hill is a unique reserve, representing the type of sheltered forest clearing provides a pleasant setting for native forest community once found on limestone outcrops picnics. throughout the Southland Plains. Totara, matai, rimu and kahikatea rise above a canopy of hardwood trees – home for large numbers of native and introduced birds. Track Forks Flat Track 1 hour return (Part only) entrances are clearly signposted from both Tussock Creek From the picnic area, cross the bridge and follow a well- and Forest Hill picnic areas. formed walking track along the banks of Dunsdale Stream past a waterfall to Forks Flat. The section of track to the waterfall is accessible to wheelchairs. Return either the Derek Turnbull Track same way, or over a bridge and down the other side of the 2 hours one way stream (on a track which is unsuitable for wheelchairs). This gravel surfaced track links Forest Hill the picnic areas at either end of Picnic Area the reserve. Cave The gradient from the Tussock 6 To Creek end is easier. Glencoe 96 Loop Track Hedgehope 1 hour return 6 Browns Forest Hill picnic area is the start

Winton of a loop walk which features a 7 small cave called Weta Cave. Tussock Ck Picnic Area Lochiel Tussock Creek To Invercargill

11 12 8 Kamahi/Edendale Scenic Reserve 10 Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve Woodlands

Kingswood Bush Track 20 minutes return Refer to map pg 13 Known locally as Kamahi Reserve, this island of forest The Kingswood Bush Track is located east of Woodlands surrounded by farmland is an excellent place to encounter School on the Woodlands Morton Mains Road. This easy all five examples of native podocarp trees: rimu, miro, walk winds through mixed podocarp forest and is abundant matai, kahikatea and with flora and fauna. totara.

1 To Gore The Reserve offers Wyndham two easy walks: Short Loop Track Edendale 11 Borland Nature Walk 15 minutes return Menzies Long Loop Track 8 Ferry

30 minutes return Kamahi 1

9 Situated adjacent to Borland Lodge, on the edge of Dacre Morton Mains Seaward National Park, this interpretation trail uses a self- Downs guided walk card to look at the beech forest community. It includes some of the best mistletoe/pikiraki plants in Woodlands Southland. 10 To Invercargill Loop Track (Part only) To 40 minutes return 99 An easy walk which is Blackmount wheelchair accessible as Monowai 9 Seaward Downs Scenic Reserve far as the swing bridge. 11 Borland Lodge To Clifden

To Lake Monowai

Like Edendale Scenic Reserve, Seaward Downs is another small pocket of native forest within easy reach of Invercargill. Despite having been logged, there are good examples of podocarp forest trees, which are favoured by New Zealand pigeon/kereru.

Loop Track 40 minutes return The forest walk begins and ends at the picnic area. The track may be muddy in places after wet weather.

13 14 12 Tuatapere Scenic Reserve 14 Roundhill

Refer to location map on page 17 Roundhill district at the southern end of the Longwood Tuatapere Domain and the Scenic Reserve are interlinked by range, west of Colac Bay is an historic gold field dating back a network of walking tracks through a remnant of the to the early 1870s. Chinese and subsequently Europeans lowland beech and podocarp forest, which once covered sluiced for the fine alluvial gold. much of the Waiau Valley. The main entrance is signposted west of the bridge, from Half Mile Road. Long Hilly Track 2 ¼ hours return Long Hilly Track is a gravelled loop track traversing a small Loop Track section of the Roundhill goldfield. It is managed by Te 35 minutes return Araroa Southland Trust as part of the Te Araroa Trail - A There are several access points to this walking track from Cape T o T Reinga to Bluff. Visitors u walking track, which has a gravel a ta 14 p e surface and is suitable for wheelchairs. pass various historic gold re Roundhill Road A particular feature is a large totara that sluicing features along the towers over surrounding trees. babbling California Creek in regenerating native 99

ill bush. Leaving the car park arg erc Inv on Roundhill Road (one To k i l o m e t r e o f f S t a t e Colac Bay Highway 99) the track also passes through an historic 13 Alex McKenzie Park & Arboretum logging tramline cutting.

The Park and Arboretum contain a large area of mature, exotic trees, some of which are rare or uncommon species. The diversity of trees provides delightful autumn colours and an attractive backdrop to the picnic area.

Arboretum Walk 20 minutes return An easy walk through To Mossburn Isla Bank t h e i m p r e s s i v e variety of exotic trees 13 is gradually being r e s t o r e d t o i t s Fairfax original state. Tracks are on natural surfaces and not always well-formed.

15 16 2

location map of Mavora 1 Lakes Southland s short walks 1 Waikaia Tapanui 6 Balclutha

90 1 Lake Lumsden Te Anau Riversdale Clinton Te Anau 94 Balfour Mossburn 4 5 Gore Owaka 94 3 Waimumu 1

HOKONUI HILLS Mataura Dipton Te T ipua TAKITIMU MOUNTAINS 96 CATLINS FOREST 6 Lake Edendale Manapouri Wyndham Hedgehope 8 Winton 96 7 9 Seaward Downs Nightcaps 26 6 Dacre Waikawa 11 Tussock 10 Tokanui Monowai Porpoise Bay Creek 1 24 27 Fortrose Curio Bay FIORDLAND Otautau 25 Slope Point NATIONAL Otara 99 22 PARK 13 19 23 Clifden Lake 18 INVERCARGILL Monowai Otatara 12 17 LONGWOO D RANGE Riverton Tuatapere 16 20 15 21 Lake 99 Bluff Hauroko Colac Bay 14 Te Waewa e Bay Map le gend Main tou ring rout e Minor roa d sea led Minor roa d uns ealed 94 State Hig hways 2 Track num ber

17 18 15 Mores Scenic Reserve - Riverton 15 Mores Scenic Reserve - Riverton Continued

Refer to location map on page 17 Kings Track 20 minutes return The reserve is located on Howells Hill overlooking the This easy walking track follows a route used by early township of Riverton/Aparima. Tracks provide panoramic settlers. It emerges from the bush to offer wonderful views views of and features abundant birdlife. This over Riverton/Aparima and the Southland Plains. area includes wahi tapu/treasured places for Maori and visitors are asked to respect this. Mores Coastal Loop Track 2 hours return The track emerges from coastal forest and follows marker posts along the beaches and rocky outcrops of the southern coastline. The track is best walked in an anti-clockwise direction from the car park, returning via Kings Track. It is maintained to tramping track standard and may be muddy in places with some steep sections.

16 Taramea Bay Walkway - Riverton

Refer to location map on page 18 Hilltop Lookout Walkway Up to 2 hours Track This easy coastal walk follows a gravel track between 20 minutes return Riverton Rocks and the Jacobs River Bridge. A short uphill walk on a The length of the walk can be adjusted to suit individual gravel track is rewarded needs with start/finish points at Bay Road, Towack by outstanding Street, Taramea Bay Road and Rocks Highway. panoramic views.

Mores Coastal Loop Track Mores Lookout Track Hilltop Lookout Kings Track M o r e s L o o k o u t Track 45 minutes return An easy walk through native forest emerges at a tree-top lookout platform, which offers bird's eye views of the southern coastline and forest below.

19 20 17 Sandy Point Domain 17 Sandy Point Domain Continued

Sandy Point Domain is an outstanding natural playground with a 13km network of well-formed walking tracks making Kilmock Bush it easy to explore Sandy Point on foot. Sandy Point's ancient 30 minutes return sand dune forest of wind sculptured totara and matai is rare This gently undulating loop track starts from Fosbender and nationally important. The native and plantation Park and includes some stepped sections. It passes through forests, estuarine mudflats and salt marshes, which fringe a carpet of bush lily/astelia and hound's tongue the , are home to prolific plant and animal life. fern/kowaowao, beneath gnarled totara trees.

Rover Track/Petrie's Track 50 minutes return

Kilmock Take the coastal Rover Track (30 minutes one way) to Bush Daffodil Bay and return via the open pine forest of Petries Fosbender 17 Park To Track (20 minutes one way). The Rover Track passes a Airport, Invercargill lookout (10 minutes one way) and hugs the shoreline Otatara through regenerating native vegetation. Tracks start from the car park at the eastern end of McLennans Flat.

Daffodil Bay

17 Hatch’s Hill Noki Kaik Beach

Silver Lagoon

Whalers Bay SANDY POINT TRACKS

Kilmock Bus h Rover Track

Petrie’s Track Daffodil Bay Loop Track McSha nes Track Roundtree Track

21 22 17 Sandy Point Domain Continued 18 Invercargill Estuary Walkway

Daffodil Bay Loop Track Invercargill Estuary Walkway 1 hour return 90 minutes return Take a stroll around the Pleasure Bay lagoon and discover an This track combines a totara – matai forest with good area rich in ecology and history. Allow at least an hour to estuary views. From the Daffodil Bay picnic area take the walk the 4.7km walking and cycling loop track. A shorter coastal route to Hatches Hill Lookout (30 minutes) with a walk to an elevated viewpoint (30 minutes return) will side trip to Noki Kaik Beach. Return to Daffodil Bay via the provide views over the estuary and lagoon. inland route (60 minutes).

Caution: Parts of the T

o

B

walkway may be under l u Invercargill Estuary

f Silver Lagoon Track water in periods of f 45 minutes return extreme weather. Pleasure The Silver Lagoon is the hidden gem of Sandy Point providing Bay important wildlife habitat for birds and other fauna. The Lagoon track starts opposite the settlement at Coopers Creek and

C

l passes through an attractive remnant of native forest y

d

e

opening out to a forestry fire break. The track to Silver S

t

Lagoon follows McShanes Track and returns the same way. B

S o n d tead St E S W S t Wharf ch Bea N reti To O Tweed St

23 24 19 Invercargill Parks & Gardens 20 Greenpoint Reserve

Queens Park Those approaching from the north will find the reserve is Location: Entry from Gala Street, Queens Drive, Herbert signposted left off SH1 immediately before the Greenpoint Street or Victoria Avenue. Cemetery. The nearest public toilets are in Bluff. Description: Queens Park is spread over 81 hectares and includes the Southland Museum & Art Gallery, Invercargill i- Walking track SITE, an 18 hole golf course, children's playground and a 30 minutes return bird aviary. Coronation Avenue is the main path through the A well-graded, gravel track and boardwalk follow the park with many walkways leading off to various gardens. A shoreline to Greenpoint, providing panoramic views across 4km fitness trail winds its way around the park with 20 Bluff Harbour and highlighting features of natural and exercise stations. historic interest that include a ship graveyard.

Otepuni Gardens Note: The railway Location: Follows Otepuni Stream between Forth Street track is in regular To New River Invercargill and Tyne Street from Nith Street to Elles Road. use. Stop, look and Estuary Description: Otepuni Gardens' winding pathways along the l i s t e n b e f o r e banks of the Otepuni Stream provide a refreshing break crossing. 1 from the city centre. The gardens cover 9.4 hectares and encompass four city blocks.

Greenhills Anderson Park Bluff Harbour Location: McIvor Road 20 Tiwai Pt Description: Anderson Park Art Gallery was gifted to the Stirling Pt city by Sir Robert Anderson and his wife. The home houses a Bluff splendid collection of New Zealand art. Outside a well- Lookout Pt defined walking track leads visitors through native bush. Walkers on the track can spot kahikatea, rimu, thin-barked totara, matai, miro and the principal canopy tree, the pokaka. Also popular is the monkey puzzle tree, planted in the grounds more than 80 years ago.

25 26 21 Bluff Hill/Motupohue 21 Bluff Hill/Motupohue Continued

Original native forest, wind-battered coast and shrub- Glory Track covered hillsides are some of the delights of Bluff Hill/ 30 minutes one way Motupòhue. Spectacular views over Foveaux Strait and the The Glory Track offers an alternative return track though Southland Plains are the reward from the top of Bluff Hill. the quiet shelter of native forest. Tracks are well marked and range from easy gradients to steep climbs. Car parking and access from Stirling Point, Gunpit Road and the top of Bluff Hill. Toilets are available at Millennium Track Stirling Point. 45 minutes uphill one way A steep track from Lookout Point to the summit of Bluff Hill though the wind-shorn shrubland is rewarded by superb Foveaux Walkway views across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island/Rakiura. 25 minutes one way The coastal track from Stirling Point to Lookout Point has an easy grade and well-compacted surface providing good Ocean Beach Track views across Foveaux Strait. 90 minutes one way Foveaux Walkway The coastal track Millennium Track Topuni Track becomes a marked 1 Glory Track Tòpuni Track route across private Ocean Beach 45 minutes uphill one way farmland. Fur Seals A short track from Stirling Point climbs past the WWII gun and Southern Right emplacement to meet the Tòpuni Track, Gunpit Road access Whales may visit the and Glory Track. The Tòpuni Track continues up an coast in winter. undulating path (steep in parts) through regenerating forest and coastal shrub lands to the summit of Bluff Hill. Stirling Point Bluff Hill

Lookout Point

27 28 22 Waituna Viewing Shelter 23 Waipapa Point

Refer to location map on page 31 Waituna Viewing Shelter Waipapa Point is the site of New Zealand's worst civilian Location: Waghorn Road (off Southern Scenic Route, 20km shipwreck, which happened in 1881 when SS Tararua ran south-east of Invercargill) aground on Waipapa Reef. Despite desperate rescue This easy walk starts at the carpark at the end of Waghorn attempts, 131 of the 151 passengers and crew died. The Road and leads to a viewing shelter overlooking Waituna lighthouse, built after the catastrophe in 1884, is a poignant Lagoon. It is suitable for people of all abilities, including reminder of the tragedy. wheelchairs. Interpretation is provided in the viewing shelter. Tararua Acre Cemetery Kapuka 15 minutes return To In S verca out rgill hern Sce Foot access to Tararua Acre, where many of the shipwreck nic R oute victims were buried, is signposted from the Waipapa Point Lighthouse Road. Access to the cemetery is across private property, which is closed during lambing (1 September to 1 November). T o Ca tlin s Waipapa Point walks There are no formed tracks but the beach and coastline to either side of the lighthouse offer delightful opportunities

Waituna for short walks. Viewing Shelter 22

29 30 24 Waipohatu Recreation Area 25 Slope Point

Refer to location map on page 31 The most southerly point on the , Slope Point is 7 kilometres further south than Bluff. This is a privately maintained walk across farmland. Waipohatu's grassy clearings are a legacy from timber Access is closed during the lambing season (1 Sept to 1 Nov). milling activities in the surrounding Waikawa Forest. A gravel track opposite the toilets in the main car park leads to an old Fordson Tractor log hauler. Slope Point walk 20 minutes return Follow marker posts across windswept pastures to Slope Point. From here, on a clear day, the entire length of Loop Track To Owaka Progress Stewart Island/Rakiura is visible, along with Bluff and Tiwai Valley 1 hour return Quarry Hills Point Aluminium Smelter. A well-surfaced Niagara 26 t r a c k p a s s e s Waikawa Note: The cliff tops are dangerous; take extra care. beneath a section of unmilled coastal Tokanui Porpoise Bay 24 27 f o r e s t t h a t i s Curio Bay notable for its Haldane Haldane Bay 26 variety of ferns. To Fortrose Slope Pt Waikawa Invercargill 25 Return the same Slope Pt way or along the Otara road. 23

Waipapa Pt Refer to location map on page 31 Waikawa was a busy port in the 1880s and early 1900s. Other early industries included sawmilling, whaling, goldmining, stone quarrying, flax milling, pastoral runholding and dairy Waipohatu Waterfall Track farming. Waikawa is now a small fishing village and a 3 hours return peaceful retreat for permanent residents and owners of This walk is maintained by the Toi Tois Lions Club and South holiday homes, tourist accommodation and attractions. Catlins Promotions. It leads in to two waterfalls and has a Further information on the walks can be obtained from the return or loop option. Waikawa Museum. Note: This is a less well-defined tramping track which can be muddy in places. It requires two small river crossings, some experience and average physical fitness is required. The Old Coach Road 20 minutes return This is a walk across the estuary, only possible at low tide and starting from the right side of the jetty. The actual road was formed in the 1880s so that the coach could run between Waikawa and Fortrose. Evidence can still be seen of the stone bridges over the creeks and the road raised above the sand.

George Aitken Walk 20 minutes return A short forest walk named in memory of a well-loved local, George Aitken. The walk begins behind the Waikawa Hall. You will find some helpful labels naming the native trees and peaceful views of the estuary.

31 32 27 Curio Bay wildlife viewing

Refer to location map on page 31 Visitors to Curio Bay and Waipapa Point may be lucky enough It is not surprising that Curio Bay and adjacent Porpoise Bay to view wildlife. Please note the following. are among Southland's most popular destinations. Few places in the world offer such a wealth of scenic, wildlife Hector's Dolphin/Papakanua and recreational interest that is concentrated into one During summer and autumn visitors can sometimes see small area. Hector's dolphin/papkanua playing in the surf. When swimming or kayaking do not approach dolphins - they will Petrified Forest Walk (Part only) come to you if they want to. Always enter the water at least 10 minutes return 50 metres away from any dolphin. They have sensitive skins Petrified stumps, fallen trees and fern imprints from a 180 so do not touch them. million year old fossil forest have become exposed on the tidal rock platform. Yellow-eyed penguins/Hoiho This internationally important site is accessible at low tide, Lucky visitors may see although a viewing platform with interpretation panels yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho provides the best vantage point. that nest around Curio Bay. This is an irreplaceable treasure and the rocks are strictly They are very timid birds protected. Please leave it undisturbed for others to enjoy. and will either leave the area or 'freeze' at the sight of people. Please give them space. Do not chase or follow them. Do not get between them and their destination.

New Zealand Sea lions/Rapoka Sea lions are often found resting amongst the dunes and coastal tussock grasses. Dogs and people are seen as a threat by sea lions particularly if their escape route to the sea appears to be blocked. For safety reasons please keep at least 30 metres away from them.

33 34 walks further afield

Stewart Island/Rakiura and Halfmoon Bay is the hub for a variety of short walks, ranging from 15 minutes to several hours. Details are available in the brochure Day Walks – Stewart Island or from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.

Fiordland National Park While Fiordland is best known for its more challenging tracks, it also offers a range of short walks, particularly around Te Anau and the Milford Road World Heritage Highway (SH 94). Details are available in the brochure Day Walks or from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.

35 for more information

This booklet has been produced by Venture Southland in partnership with Council, Department of Conservation, Invercargill City Council and . In many cases, more detailed track information is available on request from those authorities or from visitor information centres. The logo against each track description identifies the authority responsible for its management.

Venture Southland 143 Spey Street PO Box 1306 Invercargill Ph: 03 211 1400 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.southlandnz.com

Southland District Council 15 Forth Street PO Box 903, Invercargill Ph: 0800 732 732 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.southlanddc.govt.nz

Department of Conservation 7th floor, 33 Don Street PO Box 743, Invercargill Ph: 03 211 2400 0D8O0C0 H3O6T2l i4ne68 Report any safety hazards or Website: www.doc.govt.nz conserv atio n emerg encie s For fire and search and rescue call 111 Parks Division Invercargill City Council Queen's Park Private Bag 90104 Invercargill Ph: 03 219 9070 Email: [email protected] Website: www.icc.govt.nz

Gore District Council 29 Civic Avenue PO Box 8, Gore Ph: 03 209 0330 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.goredc.govt.nz

Disclaimer The contents of this publication are intended as a guide only. While every attempt has been made to ensure the information is correct at the time of printing, Venture Southland, Department of Conservation, Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council disclaim liability to any entity for loss, cost or damage whatsoever arising out of or connected with the 36 contents of this booklet. All material is subject to copyright.