Mores Scenic Reserve near Invercargill: Riverton Lookouts and Bush Walks on Howells Hill

Last updated November 2026

From the lookouts on Howells Hill the views reach over Southland and Foveaux Strait towards Stewart Island. Mores Scenic Reserve sits on that hill above the township of Riverton/Aparima, about 28 km from Invercargill.

Native and coastal forest grows on the reserve, and four tracks lead through it to lookouts and down to the coast, the shortest taking about 20 minutes return.

Great South lists a car park and public toilets at the reserve, and dogs are allowed on a leash. The area includes wāhi tapu, places treasured by Māori, and visitors are asked to respect them.

Practical Information

Address

163 Richard Street, Riverton; on Howells Hill overlooking Riverton/Aparima

Distance from the city

About 28 km from Invercargill in a straight line; the nearest town is Riverton/Aparima

Managed by

Southland District Council

Walking times

Hilltop Lookout Track 20 min return; Kings Track 20 min return; Mores Lookout Track 45 min return; Mores Coastal Loop Track 2 hr return

Dogs

Allowed on a leash

Facilities

Car park and public toilets (the council toilet is at 162 Richard Street)

Status

Great South: Mores Scenic Reserve listing

About Mores Scenic Reserve

The Riverton/Aparima tourist map hosted on the Te Hīkoi Museum website describes the reserve as overlooking the township, with panoramic views of Foveaux Strait from its tracks. Great South adds that the views stretch over Southland and towards Stewart Island.

Three of the four tracks pass through bush or forest: the Kings Track through bush, the Mores Lookout Track through native forest and the Coastal Loop out of coastal forest. Both Great South and the tourist map mention abundant birdlife along the bush walks.

The reserve also carries history. The Kings Track follows a route that early settlers used, and the area includes wāhi tapu, treasured places for Māori, which visitors are asked to respect. The Te Hīkoi information centre lists Mores Reserve among the walks visitors to Riverton can do, along with tracks in the nearby Longwoods.

The Tracks

Short walks to the lookouts

The Hilltop Lookout Track is a short uphill climb on gravel, about 20 minutes return, ending at the panoramic views from the top. The Kings Track, also about 20 minutes return, is an easy bush walk that comes out with views over Riverton/Aparima and the Southland Plains.

The Mores Lookout Track runs through native forest to a tree-top lookout platform with views of the southern coastline and the forest below. Great South gives 45 minutes return; one part of the tourist map says 30 minutes, so allow the longer time.

Mores Coastal Loop Track

For a longer outing, Great South describes the Coastal Loop as a more difficult 2-hour return walk. It starts in coastal forest, then follows marker posts along beaches and rocky outcrops on the southern coast.

Where to Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mores Scenic Reserve?

On Howells Hill, overlooking the township of Riverton/Aparima, about 28 km from Invercargill in a straight line.

How long are the walks?

The Hilltop Lookout and Kings tracks take about 20 minutes return each, the Mores Lookout Track about 45 minutes return and the Mores Coastal Loop Track about 2 hours return.

What can you see from the lookouts?

Riverton/Aparima, the Southland Plains, the southern coastline and Foveaux Strait, looking towards Stewart Island.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, on a leash, according to Great South.

Are there toilets?

Yes. Great South lists public toilets and a car park at the reserve.

Which walk is the hardest?

The Mores Coastal Loop Track, which Great South describes as more difficult. It follows marker posts along beaches and rocky outcrops.

Is there a lookout platform?

Yes. The Mores Lookout Track ends at a tree-top lookout platform above the forest.

Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.