Visit Riverton New Zealand
One of NZ's Oldest Towns

A journey to the southern island of New Zealand is not complete without a visit to Riverton New Zealand. A small town, situated on the southernmost tip of the New Zealand map, Riverton is one of the oldest settlements, and boasts a wide variety of activities for young and old alike. The perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this lovely area of New Zealand is easily worth one’s time.

Riverton, New Zealand, along the Southern Scenic Route, is rich with history. The Maori people, indigenous to the New Zealand islands, inhabited the Riverton area for nearly five centuries before European adventurers and explorers made their way to the island’s tip. In 1837, Captain James Howell and three manned ships landed at this cornerstone of New Zealand history to set up a whaling station.

In fact, it was the first ever recorded settlement in New Zealand. Immigration to Riverton was popular for many sealers and whalers from all over the globe, who came to New Zealand and neighboring Australia to stake their claim to the bountiful sea life that stock the mesmerizing South Pacific waters. Later, Captain Howell married a prominent woman from the Maori tribe and built their home along the bank of this New Zealand shore. This home still stands today as the oldest building in Riverton, and more historical adventures await in the Early Settler’s Museum.

With commerce booming, and retired ship captains settling in the area, Riverton, New Zealand, was soon on its way to being the quaint sightseeing and travel destination it is known to be today. As you roll into this seaside escape, you will see dozens of small fishing boats dotting the New Zealand surf. While Riverton, New Zealand, is every bit the classic fishing town you would expect it to be, it offers its fair share of New Zealand tourism both on and off the beaten path, from trekking tours to luxury accommodations to golf.

Keeping in mind the changing New Zealand weather, a stop at the Riverton Rocks, as the locals call it, provides you with a breathtaking ocean view. Albatross, whales and the very rare New Zealand dolphins may be spotted here. Just slightly past the harbor, this peninsula is home to 9 kilometers of picturesque beachfront, simply perfect for an afternoon walk or swim. Pick up a few paua shells and head on over to the Southern Paua and have your shells polished and witness jewelry as it is made into authentic New Zealand gifts.

Or, take a mini adventure over to Monkey Island, Cosy Nook, or the historic gold-mining area of Orepuki, where you may just find a gem of your own. After your time at this Riverton, New Zealand, site, head on over to The Beach House, one of the island mainstays, for an afternoon coffee break.

The Beach House, a restaurant with its well-deserved reputation and collection of culinary awards offers splendid New Zealand food and drink and an incomparable view of New Zealand’s oceanscape. Known explicitly for their mouth-watering seafood, blue cod in particular, this local eatery is a stop in Riverton not to be missed. This full service café, from tea to dessert, comes highly ranked in various travel guides, and is known throughout New Zealand as a fine, but casual, dining experience, well-placed at the foot of the ocean’s door.

Whatever island adventure you choose throughout your stay, be it hiking or history or relaxing accommodations at one of the town’s restored B&B’s, retreats, or resorts, you are sure to enjoy a New Zealand vacation visit on the Scenic Southern Route in Riverton, New Zealand.