Monkey Island is an oddly named beach at the east end of Te Waewae Bay, a short side trip from the Southern Scenic Route. The name refers to a small shrub-clad island about 20 metres high that can be reached by foot at low tide. A short stairway takes you to the island's top, with a viewing platform. From there, there are excellent views of Te Waewae Bay and the distant mountains of Fiordland.
In addition to the island, the beach is used for various activities, including surfing, swimming, horse riding, and dirt biking. There is also a campsite overlooking the beach, which could be exciting on a stormy day!
The beach is also extensive, extending northwest about 13 km to the Waiau River mouth, halfway along the bay. It is edged mainly by bright yellow and orange cliffs. As you head along the beach, check out the different geological layers readily apparent in the cliffs. If you go far enough, you will reach Orepuki and Gemstone Beach, although be mindful that the surf can reach the cliffs in places at high tide.
Ngāi Tahu called Monkey Island Te Puka o Tākitimu. This means the anchor stone of the Tākitimu waka, one of two ocean-going canoes that brought Māori to Southland / Murihiku. Takitimu is believed to have sunk in Te Waewae Bay. The European name probably arose from early sealers and whalers using the island as an unloading point. A slipway was built, and a monkey winch was used to haul boats ashore. During this period, the island was also a lookout for Southern Right Whales.
Another unusual feature of the beach was the discovery of gold in the 1860s. Flakes could be panned directly from the beach, leading to alluvial mining in the cliffs with water hoses and the tracing of gold back to the Longwood Range. You can explore remnants of this activity on the Round Hill Walking Track.
