About Bluff: “A drinking town with a fishing problem”
History
Bluff is the oldest existing town in New Zealand on its original site and earliest port of entry into NZ. Our building is the site of one of the earliest Post Offices in the country. Sir Joseph Ward is probably the most famous ‘Bluffy’. He held many top political positions in his career that spanned from 1878 to 1930, including PM twice. He did a lot for Southland and Bluff; and was responsible for our lovely building being built in 1899. There is an imposing statue of him as you come into the town. Check out the Heritage Trail around Bluff and the renowned Maritime Museum, for more history of Bluff.
Marae
The local marae is well worth a visit. The meeting house was created by Cliff Whiting (the same carver who created the marae at Te Papa); it is very different from most maraes.
Sights
The hill of Bluff is a significant landmark in Southland, seen from afar, both on land and from the sea. At the beginning of Highway One, the signpost at Stirling Point may point to your home city. A symbolic chain links us to Stewart Island. At the top of Bluff Hill, the circle walk to the viewing platform is worthwhile on a clear day. The 360 degree views are stunning. Surrounding landmarks are identified on brass plates. If it’s a windy day, hold onto your hat or it will be in Chile before you can drive back down to the township!
Harbour
Tiwai Aluminium Smelter dominates the northerly aspect of the harbour, and their lights at night create a picturesque sight.
Bluff is a working port. The oyster and fishing fleets will be tied up at the wharves or out on the water. Large ships can be seen coming and going with their cargo.
The odd salmon is caught in the harbour as well as flounders and blue cod.
Oyster Festival
Bluff is famous for its oysters. The annual ‘Oyster Festival’, is now held in May so the mutton birders can attend. The Oyster season starts in March/April and goes through until the quotas are caught, usually July/August. It is almost impossible to get a fresh Bluff oyster after this time. The 2010 Oyster Festival is on 22 May. Check out the Bluff Promotions site www.bluff.co.nz for all details and tickets.
Sports
There are a wealth of sports & recreational opportunities to choose from in Bluff.
- Awarua Rowing Club
- Yacht Club
- Rugby Club
- Bowling Clubs both indoor and outdoor
- Swimming Pool: open September to March, plus aqua aerobic sessions three times a week…check out the times
- BMX Track
- Mountain Biking – new 10 km track well under construction at the present time Motor Sports Hill Climb November
- Motor Bikes
- Fishing wharf, rocks or charter boats.
- Diving wrecks, world-class underwater scenery, kaimoana (seafood)
- Golf links-style 9 hole
- Walking and Running Tracks training for endurance events
- Paint Ball
- Skate boarding across the road
- Green Point flat walk to see Ancient Rocks and wrecks
Bluff Hill walks are great
We fell in love with Bluff doing the walks…maybe you will too!
The hill has a network of well-formed gravel tracks with amazing views, through a variety of eco-climates, including a delightful unspoilt mixed podocarp forest and quite a large stand of classic rata trees.
Bluff is a bird watcher’s delight featuring water and forest birds. Whales, seals and penguins visit the harbour.
Photography
The southern light has quite an intense beauty. A staggering variety of subjects are here to tempt keen photographers. Bluff Lodge gets lots of attention from photographers.
Food
Good food is available at many outlets in Bluff.
- The Anchorage Café attached to the Golden Age Tavern can’t be beaten for good servings of tasty food. It’s just 75 metres from the lodge. It also does takeaways.
- For those who love the Kiwi Classic fish and chips, Bluff Takeaways blue cod is the deal for the more budget conscious.
- The local reasonably-priced Four Square Store has its own butchery as well as bakery with a good range of fresh meat, savouries and muffins.
- Stella’s ‘n Bluff’ bakery café has fresh pies and the best coffee in town. (Closes at 3pm)
- For sitting down with a view you can’t beat the Drunken Sailor at Stirling Point
- Land’s End at Stirling Point is also a great choice, and is open for longer hours.
- The local RSA offers meals and raffles on a Friday night, if you want to meet some of the ‘salt of the earth’ locals.
Bluff Hotels have a reputation for staying open as long as people want to drink.