Experience Riverton & Area

A great stop on the Southern Scenic Route is the small surfing village of Riverton Aparima. The seaside town is appropriately dubbed the ‘Riviera of the South’. It is thirty kilometres from Invercargill and is nestled on the western end of Oreti Beach. From various galleries, historic sites, and two heritage trails. Riverton Aparima is sort of a gateway to all Western Southland has to offer. It has the perfect mixture of history, culture, and adventure!

Aparima Riverton is nearly 200 years old and is the oldest Pakeha settlement in Southland and one of the earliest European settlements across New Zealand. The immersive Te Hikoi Southern Journey Heritage Museum is in the town centre and will take you through not just the town’s history but also the region’s history and ancestry. The museum features life-size displays and engaging stories that reveal how early Māori and Europeans adapted to survive on nature’s edge and live together.

While a small town, Riverton is sure to catch your attention, whether it is the massive paua shell, lined with 1000 sheets of real paua, that sits at the town’s entrance, or the big vibrant murals along the sides of some of the main building in town, or the ocean and estuary views, Riverton will keep you captivated.

The location of Riverton is spectacular, on one side of the town you see the ocean and on the other side is the estuary known as Aparima River (formerly known as Jacob’s River Estuary). Riverton’s surrounding beaches and estuary are natural playgrounds. Mitchell’s Bay is much-loved by surfers and Taramea Bay is particularly popular with families as it provides easy and safe swimming. Surrounded by bays and beaches, Riverton makes for a perfect family day out, swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, horse riding, walking, golfing and so much more!

Considering the size of the town, it has quite a few places to grab a delicious bite and refreshing drink. Due to the location of the small surfing town, you will likely always have a view of the water. So, it just depends on what eatery you choose, you will probably either get a view of the sea or the estuary! Many of the food establishments try to fill their menu with seafood favourites like blue cod and Bluff oysters.

The seaside town is quite popular with Kiwi families, as is evident by the holiday homes, or more lovingly referred to locally as a ‘crib’, scattered across the town. Visitors can stay at these cribs as well as most are available for rent or you can stay at motels, holiday parks and more. No matter where you stay in town, you will likely be able to see the water or smell the fresh ocean breeze.

Riverton & Area Activities

Thirty kilometres from Invercargill, the seaside town of Aparima Riverton is one of the most popular towns in Western Southland and is a great stop on the Southern Scenic Route. The township is nestled at the western end of Oreti Beach, set in a picturesque location that spans Jacob’s River Estuary. The fondly named “Riviera of the South” is a fantastic place for a family holiday or a real New Zealand “crib” (seaside bach) experience.