Fondly referred to as the Riviera of the South, Riverton is a leisurely 30-minute-drive from the Southland hub of Invercargill. The small main street of Riverton is dotted with artists' studios, an excellent local history museum (do visit), and a plethora of cafes, vintage shops and local goods stores. After passing through the village you cross the Riverton Bridge with the sea rushing to greet you from either side, swirling beneath the bridge and tempting local kids to jump. Looking out toward Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island, Riverton seems like a seaman's paradise; a charming bolt-hole to shelter from the unpredictable moods of the sea. After only two days we're deeply ensconced in the Riverton routine of long beach walks, reading and huge meals.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 30, 2017 05:03 UTC