Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Oysters are Bluff's most famous export, celebrated during the
Bluff Oyster & Food Festival
(
www.bluffoysterfest.co.nz
)
held annually around May. Buy fresh oysters in season from late
March to late August from
Fowlers Oysters
(Ocean Beach Rd;
9am-5pm Mar-Aug)
on the way into
town on the left.
Near the Four Square supermarket,
Stella's
(64 Gore St; 7am-3pm)
is your best bet for a
coffee before braving the ferry crossing to Stewart Island/Rakiura. The muttonbird pie
might prove a questionable decision.
For more information see
www.bluff.co.nz
.
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The Catlins
The most direct route between Invercargill and Dunedin is via SH1. The pastoral scenery
is pretty, but not as spectacular as the SH92 route via the Catlins coast. The Catlins is an
enchanting region, combining lush farmland, native forests, usual coastal landmarks and
empty beaches, bushwalks and wildlife-spotting opportunities. On a clear summer's day it
is a beauty to behold. In the face of an Antarctic southerly it's an entirely different kettle
of fish. Good luck.
travels swiftly through from Dunedin three days a week. By far the best way to explore
the area is with your own wheels. It's a slow-going route, with plenty of winding bits, nar-
rows, gravel sections and optional detours, but this is
all
about the journey, rather than the
destination. Allow a few days if at all possible, and make sure you have on hand the
Southern Scenic Route
brochure and the purple
Catlins
brochure and map, which detail
every dot. The yellow heritage-trail pamphlet is also worth hunting down.
