At Bluff Hill/Motupōhue Mountain Bike Park, you're in for an adventure! With 27 diverse trails, you'll find options for every skill level, from accessible paths to thrilling downhill sections. As you ride, enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains. The park is well-equipped with infrastructure improvements for comfort and safety, ensuring you have a fantastic experience. Plus, you can spot unique wildlife, including Southern Right Whales in winter. There's so much to explore, and you won't want to miss out on what's waiting for you!
Major Highlights
- Bluff Hill/MotupōHue Mountain Bike Park features 27 diverse trails, catering to all skill levels from beginners to advanced riders.
- The park offers breathtaking panoramic views of Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains from its summit's viewing platform.
- Riders can enjoy thrilling downhill trails, including challenging Rock Gardens and fast-flowing sections for an exciting biking experience.
- Multi-use trails accommodate biking, walking, and dog walking, promoting outdoor recreation for the entire community.
- Abundant native wildlife and scenic viewpoints enhance the outdoor adventure, with opportunities for spotting Southern Right Whales and Fur Seals.
Overview of Bluff Hill Park
Bluff Hill Park, nestled in Invercargill, South Island, offers a stunning outdoor experience with breathtaking views over Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains.
This park is part of the 2020 Tourism Master Plan, focusing on enhancing the outdoor environment while prioritizing trail safety and environmental sustainability. You'll soon enjoy new mountain biking and walking trails designed to provide quality experiences while keeping nature intact.
As the project unfolds, improvements to existing infrastructure aim to bolster sustainability. You'll find extended car parking capacity, ensuring easier access to the trails, and newly constructed rest areas for your convenience.
The installation of a 3-pan mixed-gender accessible toilet block also shows a commitment to inclusivity. Enhanced signage will guide you through the park, making navigation smoother and safer.
The project, managed by Logic Group Ltd, is on a timeline of 18 months, with construction currently in planning. As the park develops, you can look forward to a rich experience that respects the environment while providing thrilling outdoor adventures.
With the focus on safety and sustainability, Bluff Hill Park is set to become a gem in Invercargill's outdoor landscape.
Trail Network and Features
The trail network at Bluff Hill Park offers an exciting array of options for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned rider, you'll find trails that match your trail difficulty preferences.
- Single Track Cross-Country Trails: Perfect for all skill levels, these trails provide a great experience.
- Downhill Trails: Featuring a grade 6 section at the top and a grade 5 section lower down, these trails are thrilling.
- Rock Gardens: Test your skills on these challenging terrain features.
- Fast Flowing Sections: Enjoy swooping bermed corners and smooth paths that keep the adrenaline pumping.
- Wooden Structures: Add an extra layer of excitement to your ride.
The main loop starts at the Pearce Street car park, leading you through various connected trails.
The Motupohue Downhill offers exhilarating rides with jumps, drops, and tight corners.
You can also access trails from Flagstaff Road, ensuring you have plenty of options.
With unique features and diverse terrain, Bluff Hill Park has something for everyone, making every ride an adventure.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Enhancements to the infrastructure at Bluff Hill Park significantly improve the overall experience for mountain bikers and other visitors.
The newly constructed car park at the base of Pearce St. caters to various users, making access seamless. This initial phase, designed by Wānaka-based Dirt Dynamics, included a blessing ceremony performed by Awarua Rūnaka, adding cultural significance.
Toilets and amenities are also on the way, with a toilet block set to be installed at the bottom of the hill. These facilities are essential for ensuring comfort and convenience for all park users and will be maintained by the Invercargill City Council.
An important aspect of the park's development is the signage design. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is covering the costs for signage that will guide users through the trails.
The Southland Mountain Bike Club will manage the mountain bike signage, ensuring trails are clearly marked. With a funding boost of $981,380 from MBIE and additional support from local partners, maintenance funding is secure, paving the way for a well-maintained and user-friendly environment at Bluff Hill Park.
Recreational Opportunities
Recreational opportunities at Bluff Hill/MotupōHue Mountain Bike Park abound, offering something for everyone from novice riders to seasoned adventurers. With a variety of trails designed for different skill levels, you can easily find the perfect path that suits your abilities.
Whether you're biking or enjoying a leisurely walk, the park promotes family activities and provides numerous fitness benefits.
- Choose from 27 trails, including cross-country, downhill, and accessible routes.
- Engage in multi-use trails perfect for biking, walking, and dog walking.
- Enjoy shorter or longer walking trails, catering to all fitness levels.
- Participate in community events, fostering connections with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
- Experience inclusive facilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park.
This blend of trail variety and community spirit makes Bluff Hill/MotupōHue a fantastic destination for all.
Not only will you strengthen your fitness while exploring the great outdoors, but you'll also create lasting memories with family and friends.
Scenic Views and Wildlife
As you explore Bluff Hill/MotupōHue Mountain Bike Park, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenic views and a chance to connect with diverse wildlife.
The park boasts panoramic vistas over Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains, especially from the summit's viewing platform. You'll find coastal tracks that provide stunning ocean views, with glimpses of Stewart Island/Rakiura along various paths.
While you pedal through the park, keep an eye out for abundant native wildlife. The area is home to diverse birdlife and unique flora, some of which can only be found in island sanctuaries.
In winter, you might even spot Southern Right Whales (Tohorā) along the coastal tracks or catch a glimpse of Fur Seals visiting the shores.
Restoration efforts by the Bluff Hill Motupōhue Environment Trust have revitalized the native forest habitats, allowing you to immerse yourself in regenerating coastal bush.
The scenic overlooks from tracks like the Topuni and Millennium Tracks reward your efforts with captivating views while also letting you appreciate the rich biodiversity surrounding you.
Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty and wildlife that this park has to offer.
Access and Location
Getting to Bluff Hill/Motupōhue Mountain Bike Park is straightforward, with clear signposts guiding the way off State Highway 1. Located just 25km southeast of Invercargill, this park offers easy access for both locals and visitors.
You'll find multiple access points to suit your adventure needs:
- Turn right into Pearce Street for the main mountain bike loop car park.
- Access the Glory Track via Walker Street and Gunpit Road.
- Start your journey at Stirling Point, the gateway to various trails.
- The Motupōhue downhill track begins at the top of the hill by a cellphone tower.
- Enjoy designated parking options near each trail entrance.
Parking options at the park are convenient, with a dedicated car park at the base of Bluff Hill.
Facilities, including a toilet block and bike wash station, enhance your experience, ensuring you're ready for the trails.
Thanks to well-maintained pathways and clear signage, trail accessibility is excellent, catering to all skill levels.
Community Engagement and Feedback
Engaging the community has played a vital role in shaping Bluff Hill/Motupōhue Mountain Bike Park. From July 3 to August 4, 2023, the community consultation period allowed you to voice your opinions and offer valuable community input.
A public drop-in session at the Bluff Senior Citizens Centre on July 13 provided an excellent opportunity for direct interaction. You could review designs and draft concept plans, ensuring your feedback was considered in the final design and amenities of the park.
Feedback mechanisms, including the Let's Talk website, collected your thoughts effectively, making it easy for everyone to participate.
The collaborative efforts between Invercargill City Council, Great South, and the Southland Mountain Bike Club, along with the involvement of local organizations, ensured that your concerns were addressed.
The park's design reflects community values, with trail names inspired by local culture and biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Park's Opening Hours?
The park doesn't have specific opening hours, but you can access the trails during daylight. Seasonal events may have scheduled times, so check for updates to maximize your outdoor experience and enjoy the activities.
Are Pets Allowed on the Trails?
Where there's a will, there's a way! You can bring your pets on the trails, but remember pet etiquette—keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Is There a Fee to Access the Park?
You won't face any fees to access the park. With various access options available, you can enjoy the park amenities like the car park and bike wash station without worrying about costs.
Can I Volunteer for Trail Maintenance?
You'd think there'd be endless volunteer opportunities for trail restoration, right? Sadly, there aren't any specified roles for you to jump into. Instead, enjoy the trails while others handle the maintenance behind the scenes.
Are There Guided Tours Available?
There aren't any guided bike tours available through local tour operators at this park. However, you can explore the well-marked trails on your own, using the Trailforks app for navigation and support.
Conclusion
As you journey through Bluff Hill, each trail unfolds like pages in a thrilling story, inviting you to become the hero of your own adventure. The panoramic views serve as your wise companions, reminding you of nature's grandeur. With every pedal, you not only conquer the mountain but also uncover the vibrant community that supports this hidden gem. So, grab your bike and set forth; the trails await your tale, ready to weave unforgettable memories into the fabric of your life.