Making the most of Bluff
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Bluff is a small town located at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island. It serves as a gateway to the country's southern regions and is a point of entry for travelers heading to Stewart Island.
Ships dock in an industrialized area. 1.5 km from the town.
Bluff is located at the bottom of the South Island, New Zealand, in the province of Southland and is the 'Gateway to Stewart Island'.
State highway 1 starts at Bluff's Stirling Point. Bluff is unique in the fact that it is the oldest European-settled town in New Zealand, added to that it has had a very colorful past, some of which can be found at the local Maritime Museum.
Bluff is dominated by Bluff Hill, an extinct volcanic cone, which provides some shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. There is a world-class walk along the shore through native bush up to this point. The town is named for this bluff, which was known to early whalers as Old Man's Bluff or Old Man Bluff. Across the channel from Bluff is Tiwai Point, home to New Zealand's only aluminum smelter and its wharf.
Getting around
Bluff is renowned for its oysters, which are reputed to be the best in the world. There is an annual oyster festival and the Bluff Maritime Museum has exhibits which focus on oystering, whaling and shipwrecks.
Stirling Point (the State Highway 1 starts here), panoramic scenes from the viewing platform on top of Bluff Hill, and a world-class walk along the shore through native bush, up to this lookout.
Nearby places
Stewart Island Ferry: Bluff is the departure point for ferries to Stewart Island, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. A day trip to Stewart Island can include activities like bird watching, hiking, or simply enjoying the island's pristine beaches.
Bluff is 30 km by road from Invercargill.
Food and shopping
Taste Bluff Oysters: Bluff is famous for its oysters, considered a delicacy in New Zealand. If visiting during the oyster season (usually March to August), don't miss the chance to try some fresh Bluff oysters at local eateries.
Money
The New Zealand dollar is used in New Zealand. A few traders do accept foreign currency, particularly in tourist destinations. The conversion from US dollars to NZ dollars is approximate US$1=NZD1.30.
Automatic teller machines (ATMs), locally known as 'the hole in the wall', are available in just about every town.
Staying connected
English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is universal, and is written with Commonwealth ("British") spelling.
The emergency telephone number in New Zealand is 111.
Many public libraries have public Internet access. Generally there is a charge.