Overview
Bluff is a town located at the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is famous for its oysters and is a popular destination for tourists visiting the area. The town has a rich history and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making it a popular place to visit.
| Bluff Details | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bluff |
| Region | Southland |
| District Council | Southland District |
| Postal Code: | 9814 |
| Current Time: | 03:33 AM |
| Date: | Saturday, May 02, 2026(NZST) |
| Time zone: | NZST (UTC+12:00) |
| Elevation / Altitude | 51.31 meters. Above Seal level |
| Latitude | -46.6006 |
| Longitude | 168.3405 |
| DMS Lat | -47° 23' 57.8433'' |
| DMS Long | 168° 20' 25.8227'' |
History
Bluff was founded in the 1820s as a whaling station and it quickly grew into a bustling port town. The town played an important role in the development of New Zealand's economy, serving as a gateway for the export of wool, gold and other commodities. Today, Bluff is known for its fishing industry and is particularly famous for its oysters, which are harvested from the nearby Foveaux Strait.
Geography
Bluff is located at the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is situated on a narrow peninsula that juts out into the Foveaux Strait. The area is surrounded by rugged coastline and is home to a number of natural landmarks, including Bluff Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Bluff is located at latitude -46.60059907 and longitude 168.34050630 (decimal degrees), and approximately at latitude -47° 23' 57.8433'' and longitude 168° 20' 25.8227'' (DMS).
Below is map of Bluff
Demographics
Bluff has a population of around 1,800 people, although this number swells during the oyster season when temporary workers come to the town to work in the fishing industry. The population is diverse, with a mix of locals and immigrants from around the world.
Climate
Bluff has a cool temperate climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year. The summers are warm and sunny, while the winters are cool and rainy. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, which helps to keep the landscape lush and green.
Bluff Live Weather & 5-day Forecast: Stay informed on current and upcoming weather.
Error: Unable to retrieve weather forecast data.Landmarks and Tourist Attractions
Bluff is home to a number of stunning natural landmarks and tourist attractions. Some of the most popular include Bluff Hill, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area and Stirling Point, which marks the southernmost point of the South Island. The town is also known for its oyster festival, which is held every year and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
Economy
The economy of Bluff is largely based on the fishing industry, with oysters being one of the town's most famous exports. The area is also home to a number of small businesses, including cafes, restaurants and shops. Tourism is another important industry in the area, with visitors coming to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and to sample the local seafood.
Nearby Schools
| Sr. No. | School Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | A'oga Amata Preschool |
| 2 | Bluff Kindergarten |
| 3 | Bluff School |
| 4 | Clarendon Kindergarten |
| 5 | St Teresa's School (Bluff) |
Nearby Towns and Cities
| Popular Towns and Cities | |
|---|---|
| Ann Street, Bluff | Athelney Street, Bluff |
| Bluff Harbour | Captain Stirling Grave |
| Glory Track | Island Harbour |
| North Channel, Southland | Stirling Point |
| The Bluff / Motupohue | Tiwai Point |
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