Staying at Colonial Motel Invercargill (143 Mary Street) and looking for an easy half-day or full-day outing?
Bluff is one of the classic Southland side trips.
How far is Bluff from Invercargill?
Tourism New Zealand lists Bluff as about 25 minutes from Invercargill by car.
It’s a straightforward drive and a good option even if you don’t want a long day on the road.
What to do in Bluff
Stirling Point: the famous signpost and the end of State Highway 1.
Bluff Hill / Motupōhue: coastal views and walking tracks (check conditions on the day).
Seafood: Bluff is known for its maritime character and fresh seafood.
Using Bluff as a gateway to Stewart Island / Rakiura
Bluff is also widely used as the gateway for travel onward to Stewart Island/Rakiura.
DOC notes that Stewart Island/Rakiura is a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff, or 20 minutes by plane from Invercargill.
Practical planning tips
Book ahead: ferries and flights can fill up in peak season.
Weather buffer: build some flexibility into your plan.
Early start: if you’re connecting to a ferry, aim to arrive early for parking and check-in.
If you’d like to plan a Bluff stop or a Stewart Island connection around your stay, send us your dates and we’ll help with timing.