Experience Invercargill

Invercargill Waihōpai is the regional capital and commercial hub of Southland. Founded in the 1850s, it is New Zealand’s southernmost city - and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Numerous heritage buildings and statues scattered around the city give Invercargill that old-world charm. Wide streets in a gridded layout make it easy to find your way around the city, driving or walking, and the flat layout makes it great for cycling too. There are several nature reserves and parks to check out for a picturesque walk or ride. Queen’s Park is an award-winning park and probably one of the country’s most gorgeous national gardens. The park is a sprawling 80 hectares of wildlife habitats, beautifully kept gardens, playgrounds, and sports areas. Anything related to connecting to nature and getting your body moving can be found at Queens Park. Grab a picnic basket and go eat and play with the whole family at the park.

Fondly dubbed the "City of Water and Light", referring to the long summer daylight hours, frequent appearances of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), and the city’s position beside the Waihōpai River estuary, Invercargill has plenty of character and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere - except when it comes to celebrating Southland’s obsession with classic motoring!

It all started with local legend, Burt Munro, setting a land speed record in 1967 on his Indian Scout Motorbike. Now recognised as New Zealand’s “Classic Motoring Capital”, the city boasts an impressive vintage truck collection, a world-class motorcycle display and more!
 
The city centre may be small, but it has everything you need if you’re a foodie. Multiple types of cuisines are available from the diverse number of restaurants and lively cafes that all have their special touch. Want to try some succulent seafood and iconic Bluff oysters, try some Southland prime beef or lamb, or maybe try a swede, or perhaps you’ve heard all about this ‘Southland Sushi’ the Southland Cheese Roll? You can try it all in Invercargill.
People in the city are hard-core coffee lovers. With numerous cafes to choose from with each their special unique quality. Some even roast their own beans and provide their beans across the region.

Looking for something to do for the whole family? Try go-karting, tenpin bowling, paintball, or horse trekking! Go have a swim at Splash Palace and try the country’s southernmost hydroslide or head over to Oreti Beach!  Go for a matinee at the cinema, try indoor climbing at Clip ‘N Climb or work off the sweets and cheese rolls and go for a jump and tumble at Jump n Fun. No matter the weather, there is always something to do in Invercargill.

Invercargill truly is the gateway to Southland with its airport located only 10 minutes from the city centre, making it a perfect place to start your adventure into the wider region. 
 

Invercargill Activities

Waihōpai Invercargill is Southland’s main commercial hub and New Zealand’s southernmost city. Dubbed the “City of Water and Light” due to the city’s position beside a river estuary and the long summer daylight hours, Invercargill has a laid-back atmosphere - except when it comes to celebrating Southland’s obsession with classic motoring!