Stirling Point, New Zealand landmark
Stirling Point is a landmark viewpoint at the southern tip of Bluff featuring multiple attractions in one location. A large directional signpost with arrows pointing worldwide shows distances to cities across the globe, and beside it stands a distinctive metal sculpture made of anchor chains that emphasizes the maritime heritage of the area.
Stirling Point takes its name from Captain William Stirling, who operated a whaling station at this location during the 1830s and 1840s. The signpost was first erected around 1960 with six wooden arms and later replaced with a sturdier metal structure, allowing more destinations to be added and shaping its current form.
Stirling Point is named after Captain William Stirling, an English seafarer from the 1800s whose legacy remains tied to this location. The directional signpost and anchor chain sculpture tell stories of maritime connection and exploration, reflecting how this place links the local community to the wider world.
The location is easy to reach, situated about 25 minutes south of Invercargill with ample parking nearby. Visitors can arrive by car, bicycle, or on foot and should wear weather-appropriate clothing, as the area is known for quick weather changes and strong winds.
In 2017, it was discovered that some of the distances and directions shown on the signpost contained inaccuracies, leading local officials to review and correct the markings. The site retained some of the older signs as reminders of the place's layered history and past versions.
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