A gem of a coastal journey

This beach is known for its beginner-level surf, and is an ideal place to drop a board in for the first time. Photos: Ben Tomsett

Beautiful scenery, delicious food and a beach where you can pick up gemstones — Ben Tomsett drives from Invercargill to Orepuki.

The drive: Invercargill to Orepuki (67km, 1hr). For this you’ll need an engine and wheels — four work best but some travellers have been known to utilise two.

Attractions: On a clear day as you leave Invercargill and head for Riverton, the jagged silhouette of Rakiura hovers over the horizon to your left. Rounding the bend that leads you out of Riverton, the Takitimu Mountains rise beyond the road. You’ll pass Colac Bay, which is well worth a stop for those of a surfing disposition, and a few clicks beyond Orepuki is Gemstone Beach, where garnet, jasper and even sapphires can be found.

Fuel: You’re unlikely to run out, but if you find yourself beyond Invercargill with the fuel light glaring, Wallacetown and Riverton have fuel stations.

On a fine day, a view of Stewart Island will accompany you for most of the drive from Invercargill to Riverton.

Eat and drink: Orepuki Beachside Cafe is well worth a stop. Its lamb and spice sausage is a local delicacy, the eggs Benedict are exceptional and a burnt coffee is unheard of. Murphy’s Dairy & Takeaways in Wallacetown has an unassumingly grand selection of house-made sandwiches, wraps and fried foods.

Orepuki Beach Cafe has quite the selection of locally sourced foods, the lamb and spice sausage being a hidden gem.

History: Prior to European arrival, local Maori used the stones of Gemstone Beach to polish and sharpen their axes. The area is also known for its oddly shaped trees, which have been forced by strong winds to bend and appear perpetually windblown.