Last updated November 2026
The Glory Track winds through dense native bush on Motupōhue/Bluff Hill, where predator control has brought back lively birdsong. It starts at either Stirling Point or the end of Gunpit Road in Bluff, about 22 km from Invercargill.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, 2 km one way and about 1 hour. Along the way you pass a WWII gun pit and lookout bunker, with views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura/Stewart Island. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Glory Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Stirling Point car park or the end of Gunpit Road, Bluff
- Distance from the city
- About 22 km from Invercargill
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track length
- 2 km one way
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Facilities
- Parking and public toilets at Stirling Point
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Glory Track
The track runs through diverse native bush between Stirling Point and Gunpit Road, passing several historic features, including a WWII gun pit and lookout bunker. Between the trees you get views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura and a glimpse of the Dog Island Lighthouse.
DOC says the birdsong on Motupōhue has been brought back by long-running restoration work. The Motupōhue Environment Trust manages predator control, which has let the bush regenerate, and South Island robins were reintroduced in 2017.
You can make it a loop by joining the Foveaux Walkway along the coast, combining bush and sea views in one outing.
With an easy to intermediate grade and 1 hour of walking, it is a good choice for anyone interested in Bluff’s wartime history.
History of Motupōhue
Motupōhue is a Tōpuni site for Ngāi Tahu. DOC notes that Bluff is also one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand, established in 1824, although Māori have lived at Bluff for much longer.
During WWII, Bluff Hill was set up as a coastal defence camp with soldiers stationed there throughout the war. The gun pits and several other remnants can still be seen today.
Getting There
For the Stirling Point end, travel south from Invercargill on State Highway 1 for 25 km and continue through Bluff township to the Stirling Point car park. For the Gunpit Road end, go through Bluff township, turn right onto Walker Street, then left onto Gunpit Road and follow it to the end.
From locals
Is there parking at both ends of the Glory Track?
Are there any steep or hard going bits on the Glory Track?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
Like Invercargill’s outdoors?
Explore Invercargill Weekly has a walk or park idea every week, plus local news and weekend picks. Free every Thursday.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Glory Track?
DOC gives 2 km one way, about 1 hour.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track.
Where does it start?
At Stirling Point or the end of Gunpit Road in Bluff.
Can I take my dog?
Yes, on a leash only.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. DOC says you can join the Foveaux Walkway along the coast to make a loop.
What history will I see?
A WWII gun pit and lookout bunker from Bluff Hill’s coastal defence camp.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at Stirling Point, where there is also parking.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Glory Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Invercargill City Council: information on Bluff and the city’s parks and walkways.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.