Invercargill

Nearby

Invercargill: Understand

Population 55,000

Invercargill is one of the most southernmost cities in the world. A gateway to explore Stewart Island it’s also close to the Catlins, Te Anau and Fiordland. This far south you’ll notice the locals roll their R’s, are mighty proud of their town, and you’ll always get a cheery “hello” on the street.

Invercargill: Getting In & Out

By plane:

Air New Zealand operates eight daily flights to Christchurch and two to Wellington. Stewart Island Flights make regular flights to and from Stewart Island (home to the Rakiura hiking track).

Getting between the airport and city centre…

The Invercargill airport is located 3km outside the CBD.

Public buses do not link the city to the airport, but once in the city bus is an easy and affordable option.

You have the option of an airport shuttle or taxi. For both options, the journey is 5-7 minutes, but in the shuttle perhaps a little longer to allow for other stops. The shuttle is slightly cheaper though!

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. It is possible to get a campervan in Invercargill, but not with one of the main operators. Rentals cars in Invercargill are a possibility too. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

By car:

Invercargill is linked to Fiordland (Milford Sound), the Catlins, Dunedin and Gore by State Highway 1 (SH 1 is the main north-south arterial road in New Zealand). Invercargill is also the Southern-end of State Highway 6 connecting to Queenstown and the West Coast. State Highway 99 goes from Invercargill through Riverton to Te Anau.

SH 1 and SH 6 are the two main roads within Invercargill as well.

By bus:

InterCity operates daily services between Dunedin and Invercargill. Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.

Another option is Catch-a-Bus, which has a service to and from Dunedin 6 times per week, and they’ll pick you up at your door. Catch-a-Bus also offer services between Invercargill and Bluff (ferries run from here to Stewart Island), and Invercargill and Queenstown (as well as other locations in between).

Invercargill: See & Do

You’ll find Queens Park in the center of the city – it’s expansive and beautiful. Entry is free, and inside there is a cafe, an aviary, a number of very well-kept gardens, a pretty cool playground and even a stumpery (we’ll let you check this out and see what you think!).

Anderson Park is another good spot.

Something else Invercargill is nationally famous for is Oreti Beach – one of only a few beaches in New Zealand you can drive onto! The surf can get good out here, and there are some fun sand-dunes to explore.

Transport World has an enormous collection of vehicles, impressing even non-car-enthusiasts! Motorcycle Mecca is the motorbike-specific museum, and both Transport World and Mecca have cafes

Due to the southern location, summer light hours are incredibly long. And if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)

1-Day Trips Near Invercargill

Riverton

Multi-Day Trips Near Invercargill

Milford Sound

Catlins

Te Anau

Stewart Island

Invercargill: Eat & Drink

The Batch is a local favourite, with delicious food and excellent coffee. The cheese scones are unreal. There are also a number of vegan, GF, DF and other dietary requirement-foods so options for everyone!

The Seriously Good Chocolate Company manufactures chocolate right in the center of the city. They also have a cafe, factory tours (mornings are best) and they have chocolate making classes too!

Lonestar will give you a real local experience. Big meals and a friendly Southland atmosphere.

Zoo Keepers is a good cafe with a bunch of cycling memorabilia.

Louie’s is the best place in town for dinner.

E-Hays & Sons is a popular choice with the Burt Munro bike on display here.

Good to note: due to the local laws, you cannot buy alcohol anywhere except liquor stores (there’s no wine and beer aisle at supermarkets, and no point trying the conveniences stores either). It’s pretty awesome though, because what the laws allow is for the taxes on alcohol to go towards youth sports development. The sports stadiums and facilities in Invercargill are some of the best in the country.