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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -46.61531, 168.34888. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 2 km one way
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Invercargill area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
A walk through dense bush with lively birdsong.
This DOC directory entry covers Glory Track in Southland, within Invercargill area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2 km one way
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track can be made into a loop by joining the Foveaux Walkway along the coast.
Starting at either Stirling Point or Gunpit road, this track winds through diverse native bush passing a number of historic features including the WWII gun pit and lookout bunker.
There are scenic views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura Stewart Island and catch a glimpse of the iconic Dog Island Lighthouse. Throughout your journey you will notice the varied and lively birdsong brought back to Motupohue (Bluff Hill) by extensive continued restoration work.
Getting there
To Stirling Point end: From Invercargill, travel South on SH1 for 25 km, continue through Bluff township to Stirling Point car park.
To Gunpit Rd end: From Invercargill, travel south on SH1 for 25km, continue through Bluff township, turn right onto Walker Street, turn left onto Gunpit Road, follow to end.
Know before you go
Parking and public toilets at Stirling Point. Alternative parking at Gunpit Road.
Nature and conservation
The Motupohue Environment Trust have been managing predator control in the area which has allowed the bush to regenerate and thrive. In 2017 the South Island Robin was reintroduced.
There is now a lively birdsong and healthy forest environment.
History and culture
Motupohue is a Tōpuni site for Ngai Tahu.
It is also one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand having been established in 1824. However, Maori have been living at Bluff for much longer.
In WWII Bluff Hill was set up as a coastal defence camp with soldiers stationed there throughout. The gun pits and several other remnants can still be seen today.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
