Tuatapere

Tuatapere, a tiny town on the Southern Scenic Route, is the self-proclaimed 'Sausage Capital of New Zealand'—and yes, the local butcher’s legendary sausages are worth a detour. But beyond the culinary claim, this West Coast settlement is the launchpad for the wild and remote Hump Ridge Track, a multi-day hike that rivals the country's Great Walks. With the Takitimu Mountains as a backdrop and the Waiau River flowing through, Tuatapere offers a genuine slice of Kiwi backcountry life.

Highlights & What to See

• Hump Ridge Track – A 3-day loop through ancient podocarp forest, alpine tops, and along pristine coastline, with a suspension bridge over the rugged Percy River. Book ahead for the huts.
• Tuatapere Sausage Shop – The town’s famous butcher turns out dozens of artisan sausages; grab a bag for a trailside lunch.
• Waiau River – Jet-boat tours and fishing trips explore the deep gorges and braided stretches; look for deer and trout.
• Bluecliffs Beach – A short drive south leads to a dramatic, windswept beach with fossilized tree stumps and driftwood sculptures.
• Takitimu Mountains – The jagged peaks provide a stunning backdrop for day walks and photo stops along the highway.
• Southern Scenic Route – The drive itself is an attraction, winding through rainforest, past limestone cliffs, and over the Clifden Suspension Bridge.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors pass through in an hour for a sausage stop, but to do the Hump Ridge Track you need 3 days. Without the track, a half-day lets you walk the beach, visit the sausage shop, and drive the scenic route. If you're overnighting, the town has a handful of motels and a campground.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Riverton – A historic fishing town on the coast, 45 minutes east, with a long sandy beach and a great fish-and-chip shop.
• Clifden – Home to the iconic Clifden Suspension Bridge and the nearby Limestone Walkway, a short detour off the highway.
• Manapouri – Gateway to Doubtful Sound and Lake Manapouri, about 1.5 hours east, with boat cruises and Fiordland wilderness.
• Lake Hauroko – New Zealand’s deepest lake, 30 minutes south, with a short walk to a remote beach and burial island.
• Invercargill – The southern city, an hour east, offers museums, the Oreti Beach, and the start of the Southern Scenic Route.

Please check official sources for current details.