Things to Do in Invercargill
Invercargill, located in New Zealand’s Southland, is home to beautiful south coast scenery, unique attractions, a historic city centre, and rich New Zealand wildlife. New Zealand’s southernmost city and westernmost city, Invercargill offers activities for the whole family.
Whether you have an interest in history, exploring nature’s hidden gems, or experiencing New Zealand bird life, visiting Invercargill is an interesting experience for kids and adults alike. We’ve put together a list of our favourite things to do in this beautiful South Island city so you can take advantage of all the best things Southland has to offer.
Visit the Bill Richardson Transport World
Bill Richardson’s Transport World is one of the most popular things to do in Invercargill. Home to a world-class collection of vans, trucks, cars, and motorbikes, this automotive museum is a must-see for car enthusiasts. There’s also a fantastic LEGO room so kids can make their own creations, taking inspiration from the incredible vehicles on display.
Take a stroll around Queens Park
Queens Park is home to Invercargill’s most beautifully kept gardens and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or picnic. Not only does Queens Park have lovely botanical gardens, but it also has an animal reserve and children’s playgrounds, so you can easily spend a few hours enjoying this Southland spot. Queens Park is in the centre of Invercargill and is accessible from Kelvin Street or Queens Drive.
See a live performance at the Civic Theatre
This historic theatre, built in 1905, is one of the most beautiful buildings in New Zealand’s southernmost city. Take in a live show while you’re in Invercargill, or simply admire the theatre’s Gothic-style architecture as you walk through the city.
Experience a Heavy Machinery Playground at Dig This
One of the most unique things to do in Invercargill, this heavy equipment playground is an attraction you won’t want to miss while you’re in Southland. Try your hand at driving one of their diggers, bulldozers, and skid steers for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Catch the Spectacular Southern Lights
If you’re in Invercargill between April and September, you may be lucky enough to experience the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights. These lights are created by solar winds hitting Earth’s magnetic field and are an incredible sight to see. Because this area of New Zealand has very clear skies, Southland is the perfect place to see one of the world’s most beautiful sights.
Discover the Classic Motorcycle Mecca
If you’re interested in motorsports, check out this Southland attraction located in the Invercargill city centre. As part of the Bill Richardson Transport World, the Classic Motorcycle Mecca has all sorts of classic motorbikes on display. Admire the collection and read about each bike’s history at this interesting museum.
Make a Trip to Stewart Island
Visiting Stewart Island is one of those experiences that you’ll remember forever. Take a one-hour ferry ride or a 20-minute plane ride from Invercargill and spend the day exploring Stewart Island, which is situated 30km south of the South Island. A nature-lovers paradise, Stewart Island is home to beautiful walking and cycling trails and New Zealand native wildlife.
Explore Sandy Point Domain
Sandy Point Domain, which is a Southland park located on the peninsula between Oreti River and Foveaux Strait, is home to walking trails, bike tracks, and plenty of bird life. Only 7km west of Invercargill near Oreti Beach, this park is a great place to relax and enjoy Southland’s beautiful natural surroundings. Sandy Point Domain is at the end of New Zealand’s beautiful Oreti Beach. A long, sandy stretch of coastline, this beach is where Burt Munro rode his motorcycle and was an important location in the film “The World’s Fastest Indian.”
Travel the Catlins Coast
While you’re in Southland, take some time to travel along the Southern scenic route and explore the scenic Catlins Coast. Take the time to make plenty of stops to check out the lookouts and see the sights along the way. Stop off at Curio Bay to admire the Curio Bay Cliffs, then head to Porpoise Bay to see if you can spot any sea lions.
View the Unique Treasures at Demolition World
One of the most interesting things to do in Invercargill, this attraction is located south of the city and features old buildings and displays made from recycled materials. This one-of-a-kind spot is a fantastic example of what someone can create out of discarded items. Spend a few hours at Demolition World while you’re in New Zealand’s Southland for a memorable experience!
Admire the Invercargill Water Tower
If you’re looking for free things to do in Invercargill, why not visit the Invercargill Water Tower, which is one of the Southland region’s historic landmarks? Built in the Victorian style, this picturesque building in the centre of Invercargill is certainly worth seeing.
Satisfy your Sweet Tooth at the Seriously Good Chocolate Company
Visiting the Seriously Good Chocolate Company in Invercargill is a true Southland experience. Taste their delicious truffles, chocolate bars, and other gourmet chocolates - all made onsite! You will certainly want to purchase a few treats to take with you, too.
Have Hours of Fun at Splash Palace
If you’re a family travelling with kids, this indoor aquatic centre is one of the best things to do in Invercargill. Splash Palace features hydro slides, leisure pools, and a toddler pool so you can spend the whole day playing in the water.
Enjoy a Meal or Drink at one of Invercargill’s Many Cafes and Bars
Take a coffee break or stop for a meal at any of Invercargill’s restaurants or cafes. Invercargill is a great place to try a famous Southland cheese roll, which is made from sandwich bread and filled with flavoured cheese, then baked until crispy.
Ready to Explore Invercargill? Rent a Car with RaD Car Hire
If you’re keen to begin exploring New Zealand’s South Island, why not hire a car and take a road trip to Invercargill? When you have your own car, you have the freedom to explore the Southland region of New Zealand at your own pace and make time for all the unique activities in Invercargill.
While you’re in the region, plan a trip down to Bluff to taste New Zealand’s famous Bluff oysters. The best time to try Bluff oysters is between March and August. If trying a Bluff oyster doesn’t appeal to you, you can even head from New Zealand’s Southland region over to Dunedin to check out the Otago coastline. Dunedin is also home to sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and albatross.
Check out our vehicles to find the perfect car to suit you. You can pick up your rental car at our RaD Invercargill branch and then get out there and start exploring the country! We’ve even put together these travel tips to help you get the most out of your New Zealand road trip. Create your own itinerary and stop off at all the amazing Invercargill attractions and scenic spots in the South Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is There to Do on a Rainy Day in Invercargill?
If you’re wondering what to do in Invercargill on a rainy day, why not check out E. Hayes & Sons, which is an Invercargill hardware store full of classic cars and motorcycles? You can see the “World’s Fastest Indian” motorbike, which Burt Munro rode when he broke the world land speed record.
Watch a cycle race at the SIT Zero Fees Velodrome while you’re in town, or take in a sporting event at ILT Stadium Southland. If you like to solve riddles or you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, check out the escape room at Solve It And Escape.
What is Special about Invercargill?
As the southernmost city and westernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill is a unique city which holds several interesting attractions and natural wonders. Whether you have an interest in history, wildlife, or exploring nature, this region of the South Island has something for everyone.
What is There to Do Between Te Anau and Invercargill?
If you’re heading from Te Anau to Invercargill, there’s plenty of beautiful scenery along the Southern Scenic Route. Stop off at Riverton to do some shopping at its many boutique outlets or check out a local cafe. You can also visit the great South Island’s Colac Bay, where you can walk along the sandy beach and take in the views.
While you’re in this region of the country, explore the limestone Clifden Caves, where you can spot glow worms, stalactites, and stalagmites. Check out the historic Clifden Suspension Bridge, which is just a few minutes outside the town of Clifden, before travelling to Invercargill.