Style: January 13, 2021

26 Style | Feature
Colac Bay
Explore
Learn to surf in one of the most renowned surfing spots in New
Zealand with the Southland Surf School (58 Rocks Highway, Riverton).
Jess Terrill founded the school in 2010 with the aim of sharing the
unique happiness you get from riding the waves. But if you want to
check out western Southland on horseback, try Orepuki Horse Treks
(91 Te Tumutu Road, Orepuki). With beach, farm and bush rides,
you’ll enjoy stunning views from Stewart Island to Fiordland and the
possibility of spotting some of the endangered Hector’s dolphins. Seal
it off with a visit to Gemstone Beach, where semi-precious gems such
as garnet, jasper and nephrite can often be found.
Eat
Nourishment will be called for after your escapades, so head to
the Orepuki Beach Café (33 Stafford Street, Orepuki). Situated on
8ha of pastureland, it is a true example of southern hospitality and
showcases farm-to-table food. This healthy coastal land allows them
to produce their own lamb and beef that works well with their other
locally sourced garden and ocean ingredients. The restored 1885
villa, the café and the surrounding area has a rich and exciting history.
The first owner of the house, Captain Crowther of the Colonial
Guard, is thought to be a remittance man. A somewhat common
occurrence, men from Britain would be sent to the colonies
supported by regular payments from home with the understanding
that they would stay away. According to the Orepuki Beach Café,
Crowther rode up to Shirkers Bush above the Mavora Lakes to
arrest some men hiding out from World War 1.
TOP: Colac Bay is a well-known surfing spot. Photo: Gayle Hogue/Great South
ABOVE: Go exploring on Gemstone Beach and hunt for semi-precious gems, such as garnet, jasper and nephrite.
Explore the Hump Ridge Track and follow the 61km loop
track along the southern coast of New Zealand.
Photo: Pink Penguin Studio/Great South
Tuatapere
Explore
Tuatapere sits on the edge of wilderness amid
spectacular unspoilt scenery and lush rolling
farmland. It is a launch pad for accessing the variety
of natural environments and adventure activities in
western Southland, including the Hump Ridge Track
(1304B Papatotara Coast Road, Rowallan). This
61km loop track takes hikers along the southern
coast of New Zealand, up to the sub-alpine zone
of the Hump Ridge and over historic viaducts in
the heart of native forest. The very existence of
the track is something quite special, a reflection of
Kiwis’ love for tramping and the ‘can do’ attitude of
a small rural community.
Explore the limestone systems of Clifden
Caves (Clifden Gorge Road, Eastern Bush), with
its stalactites and glow worms – one of the only
underground caves in Southland.