Exploring Colac Bay / Ōraka
Colac Bay / Ōraka is a charming coastal town situated on the Southern Scenic Route, facing the Foveaux Strait. Just a 10-minute drive from Riverton / Aparima and 20 minutes from Orepuki, this area is known for its sandy beach, ideal for surfing and swimming. A notable landmark is the statue of a surfer riding a wave, located at the town's entrance.
Activities and Amenities
The bay's sandy shores are perfect for both surfing and swimming. At the far west end of the bay, you can find camping facilities. While the town has a café and a pub, other services are limited. The Te Araroa trail passes through Colac Bay, following the road into town before continuing east along the beach and then north into Riverton / Aparima.
Historical Background
Colac Bay / Ōraka has an interesting history, with several Māori settlements originally in the area. The first Europeans to arrive were sealers and whalers in the early 1800s, who traded with the local Māori. The name "Colac" is a transliteration of Ko-oraka, the name of a local rangatira at the time. The Ōraka reference to the name was added following the Ngāi Tahu Treaty of Waitangi Settlement in 1998.
European settlers began arriving in the 1850s, drawn by the opportunity to mill the ancient Southland forests. The discovery of gold in Te Waewae Bay at Orepuki in the 1860s and subsequent mining at Round Hill, 7 km northwest, spurred the town's growth. By 1881, the railway to Tuātapere was established, and by 1900, the population had grown to 2,000, including a Chinese gold diggings town called Canton at Round Hill.
Today, Colac Bay / Ōraka is home to a small full-time population, with holiday homes scattered throughout. The surrounding area is primarily farmland, with little remaining evidence of its mining, foresty and railway past.
Getting to Colac Bay / Ōraka
To reach Colac Bay / Ōraka, follow the Southern Scenic Route. The town is a short 10-minute drive from Riverton / Aparima to the east and 20 minutes from Orepuki to the northwest. From Invercargill, it is a 43-minute drive, and 49 km.
Other places to explore on this part of the Southern Scenic Route include the Round Hill Walking Track, Cosy Nook, Monkey Island and Gemstone Beach in Te Waewae Bay.
