Taieri Mouth, Dunedin

Taieri Mouth,  Otago

Taieri Mouth is a small fishing village at the mouth of the Taieri River, Otago.  It has a white sand beach for swimming and several picnic areas. Another feature is the walking track that follows the Taieri River from the mouth through the lower gorge to Henley.

Taieri Mouth is located 40 km southwest of central Dunedin on the Southern Scenic Route.  It is located in the Clutha District on the boundary of Dunedin City and 10 km east of Lake Waihola.

There was a Māori occupation site at Taieri Mouth, with moa bones, indicating it was from the Moa Hunter (Archaic) period of Māori culture. Maori occupation continued and Edward Shortland recorded a small settlement on the site in 1843 and Maori were still living here in 1850. An early European settler was a former whaler, 'The Hermit of Taieri Mouth' (also known as John Bull) whose real name was John Edward O'Neil. He is remembered for his boisterous ways and prodigious strength.