Things to do in Invercargill, NZ

New Zealand’s most southernmost city, Invercargill is a great base to explore the unique mix of Southland history, culture and incredible nature. Did we mention the famous seafood? From long and wild beaches to unforgettable food and vintage vehicles, there are plenty of Invercargill activities to enjoy. While you’re there, step through history on the heritage trail where you’ll discover grand Victorian and Art Deco architecture. 

Only 10 minutes from the city, Oreti Beach offers 26 kilometres of gorgeous smooth sand. This is where motorcycling hero Burt Munro raced his Indian motorcycle to set two New Zealand Open Beach records - once in 1957 and then again at 136 mph in 1975. But you don’t need to break the speed record to enjoy this incredible slice of coastline. It’s also the perfect spot for walking, horse riding and mountain biking and taking in New Zealand’s panoramic coastline. 

The half-day Invercargill Heritage Trail takes in some of the city’s main sights grand historic architecture on the Invercargill Heritage Trail. City Hall and the Railway Hotel built in the late 1800s, as well as the city’s many open spaces. Designed by renowned Victorian architect F.W. Petre, St Mary’s Basilica is a heritage-listed building with a beautiful dome and classic Renaissance-inspired design.

The iconic Invercargill Water Tower is another one of the town’s beautiful historic examples of 19th-century engineering. One of the most interesting Invercargill water tower facts is that the 300,000-litre steel tank was built within a grand and elaborate brick tower. Contributing to the town’s rich history, this is one of the many buildings that consistently make the heritage trail one of the top 10 things to do in Invercargill. 

One of the most important parks in New Zealand, Queens Park Invercargill is a sprawling oasis of lawns, gardens and walks, in the heart of Invercargill. Stroll the tree-lined boulevards of an expansive 80 hectares of beautifully kept gardens and wildlife habitats, where you’ll find an impressive bird aviary, farmyard area and animal enclosures alongside a variety of garden trails to explore.

Take an hour out to stroll along the elevated Invercargill Estuary Walkway, through Pleasure Bay Lagoon (4.7km), and enjoy the expansive and tranquil views across the estuary. Winding along the Waihopai River walkway and cycleway, enjoy this gorgeous walk along Pleasure Bay lagoon loop track.

For a memorable day-trip, take a ferry to nearby Stewart Island, New Zealand’s third largest island. Renowned for its magnificent Rakiura National Park, hiking and birdwatching. This is where the Ocean Beach Track hugs and coastline and where fur seals and southern right whales can often be spotted. 

The national park is an incredible place to see the region’s diverse ecosystem of coastal rainforests, sand dunes and mountain ranges, a great opportunity to see native wildlife in its natural habitat. There are flights from Invercargill to the island and a ferry service runs from Bluff. You can see more stunning scenery and waterfalls on the epic Southern Scenic Route.

Invercargill is home to delicious local fare, such as the world-renowned Bluff Oysters Invercargill and New Zealand Blue Cod - as well as the region’s famous Southland Cheese Roll. The nearby seaside village of Bluff is home to the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, an annual winter event that draws seafood lovers from around the country. Sample local delicacies washed down with great southern ales and a selection of New Zealand wines.

For something sweet, the award-winning Seriously Good Chocolate Company is well known for handmade boutique chocolates and decadent chocolate bombs. Take an intimate look inside the factory and enjoy one of the company’s chocolate making classes - of course, you’ll also get to taste your creations. You can also bring a bottle of your favourite wine to pair with the chocolates.

Another popular local favourite, The Batch Cafe is an excellent spot for breakfast and coffee. Enjoy a delicious Hummingbird coffee roast with one of the cafe’s popular chocolate berry brownies or caramel slices. This is also the home of the  famous orange and date scones, all made on site. 

A spectacular pink and green light show that illuminates the Invercargill sky between March and September, the Aurora Australis is the Southern Hemisphere’s version of the Northern Lights. With clear skies and no light pollution, Invercargill is among the best cities in the world to witness the magical effect of solar winds reacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. 

There are plenty of options near Invercargill, again making it a great location to view this light show. There are plenty of excellent vantage points where you can take a short stroll to set up. Nearby Awarua, Omaui, Sandy Point and Bluff Hill also offer great places to view the starry skies. Check out the Aurora Australis forecast Invercargill has in store.

One of Invercargill’s most popular attractions, Bill Richardson Transport World, is home to over 300 restored cars and trucks from classic Henry Ford Letter Cars and vintage V8s to a fire-engine red 1940 Texaco Tanker. Bill Richardson built up this vintage collection over decades and his family has continued to make it a world-class experience. There’s even a LEGO room for the little ones.

And you Motorcycle fans should head to the Classic Motorcycle Mecca with its equally impressive collection of classic motorbikes dating back to 1902. This museum showcases the artistry and engineering behind over 300 motorcycles that date from 1902 onward. You’ll also find tributes to Kiwi icons such as local legend Burt Munro.  

Where to stay

The Comfort Inn Tayesta is a great Invercargill accommodation option, and the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Southland region. Only a three-minute drive to the CBD and a host of things to do in Invercargill, this hotel is also just 20 minutes from the ferry terminal - ideal for exploring nearby Stewart Island coastline.