Discover Monkey Island’s Wild Beach
At the far eastern end of Te Waewae Bay, Monkey Island is a striking beach just off the Southern Scenic Route in Southland. It’s a one-hour drive from Invercargill and a worthwhile detour if you’re exploring the lower South Island. There are no monkeys; instead, the name refers to a shrub-covered rocky outcrop that you can walk to at low tide, and climb for sweeping views of the bay.
A Long Beach Backed by Bright Cliffs
Monkey Island rises around 20 metres and is accessible via a short stairway, one tide is out far enough. From the lookout platform at the top, you’ll get panoramic views along Te Waewae Bay and inland to the Longwood Range.
The beach here stretches over 13 km northwest to the Waiau River mouth, backed by cliffs that glow yellow and orange in the sun. The wide, exposed shoreline is good for beach walks, horse riding, and even dirt biking, though conditions vary depending on the tide.
Low tide opens up a long coastal corridor. Keep an eye on the cliffs as you go; layers of exposed rock and sediment hint at the area’s geological past. Surf can push up to the base of the cliff in places, so timing your walk is essential.
Māori Waka, European Whalers, and Gold
Ngāi Tahu know Monkey Island as Te Puka o Tākitimu, “the anchor stone of the Tākitimu waka”, one of the great ocean-going canoes that brought Māori to Murihiku. According to tradition, the waka foundered in Te Waewae Bay, leaving the island as a lasting marker.
The European name came from sealers and whalers who used the island as a landing and winching point for boats. The winch was a knwon as a monkey winch, hence the name. The island also served as a lookout for Southern Right Whales.
In the 1860s, gold flakes were discovered on the beach, sparking a small rush. Prospectors used sluice hoses to mine the cliffs and traced the source to Round Hill, further inland in the Longwood Range. The nearby town of Orepuki was originally closer to teh beach and relocated away from the beach to make way for mining.
Camping and Coastal Stops Nearby
Monkey Island has a basic DOC campsite on a rise above the beach — an exposed and atmospheric spot, especially on stormy nights. Facilities are minimal, but the location is unforgettable. There are no shops or services directly at Monkey Island, though Orepuki, about 5 km northwest, has a café and a pub.
How to Get There
From Invercargill, take State Highway 6 northwest for about 80 km (1 hour). Turn off onto Frentz Road, then Monkey Island Road, a few minutes west of Orepuki. Follow the gravel road down to the beach and campsite.
Other nearby places to visit include Riverton Aparima, Round Hill Walking Track, Colac Bay, Gemstone Beach, and Tuatapere, all within a short drive along the Southern Scenic Route.
