Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
Gravel track leading up a hill on a sunny day.
Glory Track

Located in Invercargill area in the Southland region

A walk through dense bush with lively birdsong.

This track can be made into a loop by joining the Foveaux Walkway along the coast.

Starting at either Stirling Point or Gunpit road, this track winds through diverse native bush passing a number of historic features including the WWII gun pit and lookout bunker.

There are scenic views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura Stewart Island and catch a glimpse of the iconic Dog Island Lighthouse. Throughout your journey you will notice the varied and lively birdsong brought back to Motupohue (Bluff Hill) by extensive continued restoration work.

To Stirling Point end: From Invercargill, travel South on SH1 for 25 km, continue through Bluff township to Stirling Point car park.

To Gunpit Rd end: From Invercargill, travel south on SH1 for 25km, continue through Bluff township, turn right onto Walker Street, turn left onto Gunpit Road, follow to end.

Parking and public toilets at Stirling Point. Alternative parking at Gunpit Road.

The Motupohue Environment Trust have been managing predator control in the area which has allowed the bush to regenerate and thrive. In 2017 the South Island Robin was reintroduced.

There is now a lively birdsong and healthy forest environment.

Motupohue is a Tōpuni site for Ngai Tahu.

It is also one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand having been established in 1824. However, Maori have been living at Bluff for much longer.

In WWII Bluff Hill was set up as a coastal defence camp with soldiers stationed there throughout. The gun pits and several other remnants can still be seen today.