Bluff-Invercargill NZ New Zealand
New Zealand

4 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Silversea Cruises (4 Cruises)

Port of Bluff (Invercargill) | Cruise Port Guide

A yellow signpost bristling with arrows points to New York, London, Cape Horn and the equator, with distances given in kilometres. This is the Stirling Point sign, one of the most photographed spots in Southland, and it says it all: at Bluff, you're standing at the very bottom of New Zealand, where the road ends and the Southern Ocean begins. Ships dock at South Port, in an industrial area a kilometre and a half from town, and the offshore wind greets everyone right at the gangway.

Stirling Point and the Shoreline Trail

A few minutes from the centre, Stirling Point marks the symbolic end of the state highway that runs the length of the country. Beyond the obligatory photo beneath the signposts, a coastal trail sets off from the point and follows the shoreline through native bush, among tree ferns and shrubs sculpted by the wind. The swell breaks on the rocks below, clouds race by low overhead, and you feel the latitude in your bones: the next landmass due south is Antarctica. In rough weather, the water surges up against the rocks with a roar that's a reminder of who's in charge here; in calmer conditions, the strait takes on the look of a still lake.

Bluff Hill, the Lookout at the End of the World

The trail can be extended up to the viewing platform built at the summit of Bluff Hill. From up there, the panorama takes in Foveaux Strait, the coves along the coastline, and, on a clear day, the outline of Stewart Island resting on the horizon. The climb through native vegetation ranks among the finer short walks in the south of New Zealand; bring a windbreaker, as the weather changes quickly at these latitudes.

A Town Shaped by the Sea

This town has lived off its strait for as long as it's existed. The small local maritime museum traces the fishing, piloting and shipwrecks of these demanding waters, told through personal stories and archives; yellowed photographs, navigation instruments and rescue accounts make up a valuable record, presented without any flourish. From the nearby wharf, ferries depart for Stewart Island, a sanctuary of birds and primary forest that cruise itineraries generally don't allow enough time to reach; knowing it's out there, just a crossing away, adds to the outpost feel of this place.

The Oyster That Shares the Town's Name

You can't talk about Bluff without mentioning its oyster, gathered from the cold depths of Foveaux Strait and considered a prized delicacy throughout the country. The season generally runs from March to August; if the port call falls within that window, local restaurants serve it with a simplicity that suits it well, raw, with a squeeze of lemon, no fuss. Outside the season, the day's fish and seafood step in admirably, and the locals' unpretentious welcome does the rest.

Invercargill, the City Option

Twenty-seven kilometres away, about a thirty-minute shuttle ride, Invercargill lays out its wide Victorian- and Edwardian-style avenues. The southernmost city in the country offers parks, museums and shops for those wanting to round out the day; many, however, prefer to spend their hours along the coast, where the port call's true heart lies.

Heading North, Reluctantly

As the ship heads back out to sea, thoughts return to the yellow signpost and its arrows: everything, from here, is far away. That's precisely what makes the place so endearing. You've walked facing the Southern Ocean, perhaps tasted a legendary oyster, felt the wind from the edge of the world blow in unobstructed straight off the ice; what remains is a quiet pride, that of having gone this far, and the urge to tell others about that signpost when they ask where the road ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

At South Port, in an industrial area about a kilometre and a half from the town. The southern wind meets you at the gangway — this is not a call to go ashore in shirtsleeves.
The symbolic end of the national highway running the length of New Zealand, marked by a yellow signpost bristling with arms pointing to New York, London, Cape Horn and the equator, with distances. It is one of Southland's most photographed spots.
Stirling Point and the coastal track, the climb to the Bluff Hill lookout, then the town's small maritime museum. Anyone wanting a city takes the shuttle to Invercargill.
Foveaux Strait, the coastal inlets and, on a clear day, the outline of Stewart Island on the horizon. The climb passes through native bush and ranks among the fine short walks of southern New Zealand.
Twenty-seven kilometres, about thirty minutes by shuttle. The country's southernmost city offers broad Victorian avenues, parks, museums and shops — though many passengers prefer to spend their hours on the coast.
Generally March to August. Dredged from the cold beds of Foveaux Strait, the Bluff oyster is considered a delicacy throughout the country; outside the season, fish and seafood of the day take over.
In theory yes, ferries leave from the adjacent wharf — in practice no: cruise itineraries rarely allow enough time. Knowing it is there, one crossing away, adds to the outpost feeling of the place.
Windy and changeable. At these latitudes the weather turns fast: a windbreaker is essential, even in the austral summer. In heavy weather the swell storms the rocks at Stirling Point with impressive noise.
The New Zealand dollar, and English. Cards work even in the town's small businesses; there is no need to hunt for an ATM first thing.
Only moderately. It is a call about landscape and wind, with no attraction built for children. The Stirling Point signpost and the Bluff Hill view please everyone, but bring warm clothes and realistic expectations.