The start point in Invercargill is on Stead Street at the sign to Stead Street Wharf.
The shared walking and cycle track was opened in 2015 and Te Araroa Trust was a major funder of the initial section.
The track runs 10.5km along stopbanks adjacent to the New River Estuary and along the way you'll be treated to an area teeming with bird life.
The track exits onto Kekeno Place, which is a busy industrial area so take enormous care when coming off the end of the track then crossing the railway line back out to SH1. Take care as trains run regularly along this line.
There is a programme in place to make further progress towards Bluff, however for now it’s a 16km walk from Kekeno Pl along the Bluff Highway to Ocean Beach where the Foveaux Walkway starts.
It is essential to wear high visibility gear or pack cover when walking on the verge of the highway along this stretch as there is a lot of heavy traffic and often unfavourable visibility due to weather conditions. Your safety is paramount.
This final 7.2km track follows the south coast around the base of Bluff Hill to Te Araroa’s southern terminus at Stirling Point.
So here you are - where to next?
The Invercargill City Council (with the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point) have a plaque available to all who travel the length of New Zealand by foot or cycle. Contact Lloyd Esler (
esler@southnet.co.nz) or 03 2130404 / 021 1766580 to arrange collection.
They are also available at the Invercargill City Council (Esk St), the iSite at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery and at the Oyster Cove Restaurant (directly adjacent to the trail end in Bluff, open 7 days 11am-7.30pm).
Please note this is an ICC initiative done independently of Te Araroa Trust so TAT cannot guarantee availability or collection.