One of New Zealand’s oldest towns, Riverton (pop. 2000) is a modest seaside retreat where backpackers can relax before heading north to the mountains or south to the sea. From the bridge on the north end of town, Rocks Highway follows an increasingly beautiful coastline 6km out of Riverton along Riverton Rocks. Riverton Rocks, the area’s main attraction, is a pebbly beach with a cluster of unusual rock formations. The Mores Scenic Reserve sits above the town and is well marked from Rocks Hwy. up Richard St. Several easy walks, including the 2hr. round-trip Mores Coastal Loop Track, leave from the top of this excellent vantage point, which overlooks the Southland plains, Stewart Island, and Te Waewae Bay. The Maori Craft Studio, 130 Palmerston St., displays unique mementos including handwoven bulrush and flax creations. (☎234 9965. Open M-Sa 9am-5pm, Su noon-5pm. AmEx/MC/V.) The brand-new Te Hikoi—Southern Journey, 170-174 Palmerston St. (nearing completion at press time) presents the social history of the southern coast. The attached visitors center is the town’s best source of information.
The Globe Backpackers , 144 Palmerston St., is a friendly, fun-loving hostel equipped with Sky TV, a pizzeria, and a bar. Pizza $9-16. (☎234 8527 or 0800 843 456; www.theglobe.co.nz. Breakfast $5. Linen $2. Reception 4pm-late at the bar. Dorms $20; doubles from $50. Cash only.) Each room at the Riverton Rock Guesthouse , between Mores Scenic Reserve and town, offers quiet tent sites with ocean views, a large indoor lounge, and a fully equipped kitchen. (☎234 8132. Free laundry. Tent sites $10; dorms $25. Cash only.) The Aparima Tavern , 17 Orepuki-Riverton Hwy. (☎234 8502), on the north side of the river, serves up an extensive $10 snack menu. An outdoor patio, pool table, and occasional music entertain guests well into the night. (Mains around $20. Kayak rental $20 per hr. Takeaways. Open daily 10am-late.)
There are no ATMs in Riverton, and the nearest ones are in either Invercargill or Te Anau. The National Bank on Palmerston St. (☎234 7121; open M-F 9am-4:30pm) can give cash advances on credit cards in a pinch. The Fiordland Gift Studio, on Palmerston St., has Internet and laptop connections ($5 per hr.), as well as coffee and a selection of souvenirs. (☎234 8153. Open daily 9am-5pm.) Other services along Palmerston St. include: the Riverton Pharmacy (☎234 9999; open M-F 9am-5:30pm, Sa 10:30am-noon); a medical center (☎234 8290; open M-F 9am-4:30pm); and the post office in the Supervalue Supermarket. (☎234 8541. Open M-F 7:45am-7pm, Sa 9am-7pm, Su 9am-6pm.) And finally, for a little bit of Riverton trivia, the town pharmacist is the man behind the creation of the Southern Scenic Route. As you pass through, feel free to tell him if you enjoyed your trip.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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