One of the many benefits of planning your own itinerary when visiting a foreign country and doing a self-drive tour is being able to visit some areas not often frequented by tourists. This article shares some of the inspiration and variety we found in Bluff, New Zealand.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

The town of Bluff is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is situated about 30 kilometres (~18.6 miles) south of Invercargill. It is one of those out-of-the-way gems that is often overlooked.

It is the site of some of the earliest European settlement in New Zealand and you’ll find some beautiful sea views along the rocky coastline.

There are a few beaches in the area which can be accessed by way of pathways and stairs, yielding some interesting perspectives.

There is also a small lighthouse that helps protect local shipping, and provides some opportunities for architectural photography.

A chain sculpture which symbolizes the Maori view that Stewart Island is anchored to the South Island, also provides photographic opportunities. There are tours to Stewart Island which depart from Bluff.

If you visit Bluff make sure to include some explorations at Bluff Hill / Motupohue. You’ll find some wide angle views looking back over the town, and on a clear day you’ll be able to see Stewart Island.

There are a number of information panels that chronicle the local history. These are situated along the walkway leading up to the lookout area. I enjoyed using the curved walkway and handrails as elements in some compositions.

If you have the time you can also explore some of the forest hiking trails that radiate from Bluff Hill/Motupohue. They range in length from 45 minutes to about 2 hours.

Bluff is a ruggedly beautiful and historic part of New Zealand. If you have the time when in the Invercargill area it is a great destination to add to your itinerary.

Technical Note:
All photographs were captured hand-held in available light using Nikon 1 gear as per the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process of DxO PhotoLab, CS6 and the Nik Collection.

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