- Bluff’s new adventure park offers trails and facilities for all skill levels.
- The park features 27 trails with names reflecting local landmarks and biodiversity.
- Opening day includes a blessing, activities, and celebrations for the public.
Bluff is set to unveil its latest recreational attraction, the Motupōhue Adventure Park, on Saturday, 23 November. This park, located on Bluff Hill, boasts more than 10km of mountain biking and walking trails, catering to various skill levels and abilities.
Caroline Rain, Invercargill City Council Manager for Parks and Recreation, expressed her enthusiasm about the milestone. “It’s a space where locals and visitors alike can connect with the natural beauty of Motupōhue while enjoying world-class trails and facilities,” she said. “This park truly showcases what our region has to offer.”
Designed to be inclusive, the park includes an accessible walking trail and upgraded amenities such as a car park, toilet facilities, and a bike wash station, all located at the base of Bluff Hill on Pearce Street.
The 27 trails, a mix of 16 existing tracks and 11 new additions, draw inspiration for their names from the region’s cultural heritage, local landmarks, and native biodiversity. The project is seen as a significant investment in Bluff’s future, promising to attract outdoor enthusiasts, boost local businesses, and foster community connections.
“This project is more than just an adventure park – it’s an investment in Bluff’s future. It will attract outdoor enthusiasts, support local businesses, and create opportunities for our community to come together. We’re thrilled to see it come to life and look forward to welcoming everyone on opening day,” Rain added.
The park’s development was a collaborative effort involving the Invercargill City Council, Great South, and the Southland Mountain Bike Club, with financial support of $981,380 from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund. Stakeholders such as Awarua Rūnaka, Te Ao Mārama, Bluff Community Board, DOC, and the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environmental Trust contributed to ensuring the park aligned with environmental values and community priorities.
The opening day kicks off at 10 am with a formal blessing, followed by activities and festivities. Entry is free, and everyone is invited to join the celebration.