An new $18 million tourism development, designed and led by Te Rūnaka o Awarua, is planned for Motupōhue (Bluff Hill).

The Te Taurapa o Te Waka – Motupōhue Visitor Experience will include a 25m tall Taurapa (canoe sternpost) sculpture on Motupōhue (Bluff Hill) - visible from the Bluff township - along with an interpretation centre, sculpture trail, a walking track - using of digital, location-based storytelling - and a new car park.

 The project is part of the Bluff Motupōhue 2020 Tourism Master Plan, which was facilitated by Great South in partnership with Te Rūnaka o Awarua and the Invercargill City Council.

 Te Rūnaka o Awarua trustee Dean Whaanga said for mana whenua south is up and north is down, meaning Motupōhue is the true top of the country.

 “It’s only fitting that we have a world-class visitor experience here,” Whaanga said.

 The proposed plan for the site shows two pou representing tūpuna (ancestors) flanking the existing roadway to the summit, conveying the significance of the site.

Proposed interpretation centre for Motupōhue (Bluff Hill). Graphic: Supplied

 Te Taurapa o Te Waka would have a sculpture trail, including a larger-than-life-size puka (anchor), which relates to several kōrero such as Te Waka o Aoraki and the oral tradition of Te Ara a Kiwa.

The rope of the puka (anchor) would wind its way to the summit, where the broken waka of Aoraki would be represented.

Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe said Te Taurapa o Te Waka was an outcome of the master plan, which recognised the strategic importance of Bluff and its potential to be a vibrant hub for the community, as well as visitors.

 “It’s part of a long-held vision to highlight the cultural importance of Motupōhue. It will add real depth to what is currently on offer for locals and visitors alike.”

 A coordinated plan for Bluff was identified as being crucial within the Murihiku Southland Destination Strategy 2023-2029 and aligns with the New Zealand Aotearoa Government Tourism Strategy.

Funding to support Awarua Rūnaka with the development of the concept plans came from the Government’s Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme.

The next step in the process was to create a business feasibility and fundraising strategy.