Destination Guide

Invercargill, New Zealand

Invercargill, New Zealand is one of those unique tourist destinations with its own personality and charm that travellers love. Invercargill has everything you want in a tourist spot making it an ideal place to visit for travellers of all kinds.

The city's most renowned resident is Burt Munro, who was a motorcycle racer, famous for setting an under-1000cc world record, 183.586 mph (295.453 km/h), at Bonneville, 26 August 1967. This record still stands to this day.

Invercargill features natural wonders like the seasonal southern lights and beautiful wildlife as well as architectural wonders like the charming Water Tower and Queen's Park. Whatever you preference in vacation activities, you can find it in Invercargill.

Visitors agree that Invercargill is a special place with beautiful architecture and a charming atmosphere that's bound to keep you looking forward to your next visit to one of the world's southern-most cities.

Getting in and around Invercargill

Invercargill Airport

The Invercargill Airport is conveniently located just a few short miles outside of the city centre. Getting in to Invercargill is made easy by regular flights to Invercargill Airport from larger cities like Wellington and Christchurch. The flights are often an attraction in themselves with fantastic aerial views of the surrounding areas. InterCity Coachlines and Knight Rider offer bus routes into Invercargill from nearby cities as well.

Invercargill Transport

Getting around Invercargill is easy and convenient. Best of all, it's very affordable. There are numerous public bus services that run within the city and one of them is even free during the week. Taxis are also an option for getting around Invercargill. Because the area is generally flat and pedestrian friendly, walking and cycling are also great ways to get around the area.

Invercargill Car Hire

If you wish to venture outside the city to some of the neighbouring attractions near Invercargill, car hire is available from the airport.

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Invercargill accommodation

The Invercargill hotel industry understands that visitors expect a level of quality, even travellers that are on a budget. With that, even backpackers' resorts and youth hostels promise a comfortable stay in Invercargill. However, travellers who aren't on a budget will find some extravagant Invercargill accommodation to enjoy.

Luxury
Mid-range
  • Ascot Park Hotel is one of the largest hotels in Invercargill and offers rooms for travellers in almost every price range.
Budget
  • The Evergreen Motel offers comfortable rooms equipped with kitchenettes as well as an easy commute to local attractions.
  • The Bavarian Motel is quaint and charming with attentive service to ensure your stay is comfortable.
Backpackers
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Things to do in Invercargill

Invercargill has a wide variety of things to do. Its orientation as one of the southern most cities in the world gives Invercargill a unique appeal and claim to fame. But many of the city's best attractions are famous for their architectural beauty and cultural and historical significance.

  • Southland Museum and Art Gallery. The Southland Museum and Art Gallery is the king of all local museums, as it features a live Tautura which is a reptile from the dinosaur days.
  • Queen's Park. Queen's Park features a full menu of attractions including the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, an observatory, a playground, a zoo, and some of the most beautiful Invercargill gardens.
  • Bank Corner. The Bank Corner in town features three turn-of-the-century buildings that used to be banks that are now considered architectural wonders.
  • Trooper's Memorial. In Invercargill town near Bank Corner lies Trooper's Memorial, which honours those who lost their lives in the Boer War in South Africa. A must for those who want to discover the history of the area.
  • Esk Street. Esk Street is the ultimate place in Invercargill for a little bit of retail therapy. Be sure to bring your wallet and leave with a truck load of souvenirs.
  • Water Tower. The recent renovation of the Water Tower on Leet Street allows visitors to climb to the top of this local landmark for an incredible view of Invercargill. This not-so-average water tower was originally constructed in 1889.
  • The "Munro Special" The motorcycle previously owned by Burt Munro in which he set a world speed record. It is on display at E. Hayes & Sons.
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    Day trips in and around Invercargill

  • Bluff. Invercargill is known for being one of southern most towns on the planet. But it can't beat Bluff. Bluff is about 30 kilometres from Invercargill and is actually the closest town to Antarctica on the mainland of New Zealand.
  • Stewart Island. Stewart Island is the third largest and the southern most island of New Zealand. Visitors can take a short plane ride from the Invercargill airport or a ferry from Bluff. The island is famous for hiking, hunting, and bird watching.
  • Porpoise Bay. Porpoise Bay is just a short drive from Invercargill and a great place to swim with dolphins and see yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and sea lions.
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