Tūātapere

Tūātapere sits on the edge of wilderness amid spectacular unspoilt scenery and lush rolling farmland. It is the launch pad to access the variety of natural environments and adventure activities in Western Southland, including world-class jet boating and hiking. Lying on the Southern Scenic Route, it is an increasingly well-travelled place to stop.

The town has a rich sawmilling history and is home to a fascinating logging museum, along with many other quaint reminders of its pioneering history. Tui Base Camp not only offers a range of affordable accommodation and facilities for travellers, but it is also the home to the World-Famous Tuatapere Sausage, as the town is also known as the sausage capital of New Zealand.

The Waiau River flows through Tūātapere, 8km from the southern coast, before reaching Te Waewae Bay and the majestic expanses of Blue Cliffs Beach. The South Coast Track and the impressive 3-day Hump Ridge Track begin at the end of the bay.

Most walking tracks that intertwine throughout Tuatapere township have existed for many years. Originally referred to as ‘the hole in the bush’, much of the original native forest remains to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The Tui Trails brochure is your guide to Tuatapere’s native bush walking tracks.