Tuatapere: Along the Waiau among bush tracks and railway history

The Waiau River flows through Tuatapere, and a network of walking tracks runs through the district. There is also native bush, river views and reminders of the area’s railway and sawmilling history. This makes it easy to shape a stay in different ways: head outdoors on short walks or explore the town’s history.

Walking tracks by the river and through the bush

Several walking tracks run through Tuatapere and have been connected for many years. Lillian’s Loop is a circuit track with entry and exit points on the bush side of the cemetery. It passes through native bush, alongside tall trees and lush ground cover; the track is well formed. If you would rather enjoy river views, consider McLeod’s Track: this short track runs above the Waiau and connects Ferry Road with Bridge Street.

Alton Terrace Walk follows the Waiau River scenically from Sneyd Street to Ferry Road. Another walking option is the Heritage Orchard Walk, a more recent addition to the local track network. It starts opposite the Waiau Hotel. The track passes Greenheart Reserve, with native plantings and a stand of old trees. You can hear birdsong and the gentle flow of nearby Boundary Creek. The Tui Trails brochure is a guide to Tuatapere’s native bush walking tracks.

When choosing holiday accommodation in Tuatapere, you can plan your trip around whether you would like to focus more on walks and nature or on the town’s history. The tracks offer different experiences: a circuit through the bush, views of the river or a detour to a reserve with old trees.

Railway and local history

The railway line to Tuatapere was established in 1909 as the terminus of a connection from Invercargill; the existing railway station dates from 1915. The railway grounds have a static visitor display about railway history. Its centrepiece is a 1968 Bagueley-Drewry diesel locomotive. The renovated station has reopened as a visitor and information centre.

Another piece of local history can be seen at the CWA Hub at 48 Main Road: a scale model of Main Road as it appeared in 1914, including the original pub building, is on permanent display. Tuatapere also has a timber museum connected with the town’s sawmilling history. Together, these places show different aspects of the local past—from rail transport to work in the sawmill.

River, coast and other excursions

The Waiau River flows through Tuatapere, about 8 km from the south coast, before reaching Te Waewae Bay and the expansive Blue Cliffs Beach. From Tuatapere, travel about 28 km along Papatotara Road and follow the signs to Bluecliffs Beach and the Rarakau car park. Tuatapere is also on the Southern Scenic Route. As a base, the town provides access to natural areas and adventure activities in Western Southland, including jet boating and hiking.

The Hump Ridge Track is also nearby. There are two backcountry lodges along the route at particularly well-situated resting points. It is the only walking track in Fiordland to offer independent walkers upgraded accommodation. This multi-day hiking option differs from the walks in town and can offer a different focus for planning your trip.

Discover more places

If you would like to include more destinations in your plans, you can also find Monowai, Te Anau, Mossburn, Te Anau Downs, Manapouri, Tokanui, Lumsden and Dipton here.

For the broader travel overview: Southland District.