Location: Invercargill
Top Things to do in Invercargill
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10 Free Things to do in Invercargill That You Shouldn't Miss
Invercargill (Māori: Waihōpai) is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of the Southland region. It lies in the heart of the wide expanse of the Southland Plains on the Oreti or New River some 18 km north of Bluff, which is the southernmost town in the South Island. It sits amid rich farmland that is bordered by large areas of conservation land and marine reserves, including Fiordland National Park covering the south-west corner of the South Island and the Catlins coastal region.
Restaurants in Invercargill
1. E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 829 reviews
E Hayes and Sons is a hardware, homeware, giftware and engineering supply store and visitor experience like no other. We’ve built a reputation for PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST serving the Invercargill and Southland region with an unmatched selection of quality goods, services and advice since 1932. Our entire store is also home to the unique E Hayes Motorworks Collection representing one of the finest private collections of classic motorcycles, automobiles and engines in New Zealand proudly built around our centerpiece - Burt Munro’s Authentic, Original and Legendary ‘World's Fastest Indian' motorcycle. The E Hayes Motorworks Collection and World's Fastest Indian is 100% FREE TO VIEW during our normal store opening hours.
Reviewed By brittneywhittinghamx - Hamilton, New Zealand
Wow, this is a 'must do' if ever visiting Invercargill. The shop is incredible to say the least! Obviously Burt Munro and the Worlds Fastest Indian was our reason for visiting but I did not realise how many other awesome items were on display. It is incredibly fascinating if you are in to seeing how objects, items, machinery and more have all evolved and changed over the years. With the shop being so large there is so much to see. You could spend hours here and buy almost any household item + more whilst you're at it. There is also a cafe and gift store inside. This was a great visit and amazing to have great NZ history on display all for free. They have done a brilliant job at this setup.
2. Southern Scenic Route
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By Rantinrover - Biggar, United Kingdom
In my original review of the Southern Scenic Route (SSR) back in April 2014 I indicated that there were places which we’d missed and would hopefully see on a return visit. It only took until March 2020 for us to finally get back! The SSR is a road trip through the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island which provides the traveller with an opportunity to see one of the less developed parts of the country, rugged coast and rural landscape, combined with waterfalls, small communities and wildlife. If you’re looking for a buzz and thrills and spills it may be better to stick to Queenstown. Some will do parts of the route in a day trip, others could easily spend a week or more depending upon interests and time available. Firstly it is advisable to get a copy of the SSR which is available online or at tourist info sites. This booklet provides maps and a brief description of the multitude of attractions along the route. This time around we travelled east to west from Dunedin to Queenstown and having previously visited Stewart Island, Fiordland and Queenstown itself we didn’t make any allowance for detours to these particular places. Dunedin is well worth exploring and we spent a few days there. Aside from a trip on the train up the Taieri Gorge which was enjoyable, we made time to visit the Otago Peninsula and see the albatrosses, have a workout on the dunes to reach Sandfly Bay and endured a similar test of the calf muscles at Tunnel Beach just to the south west of the city. For coastal scenery it would take a lot to beat Tunnel Beach which I would add to the “must do” list on the SSR. For those who enjoy going off the beaten track like us I would add a word of caution at this point. Keen to enjoy the coastline as much as possible as we headed south we ignored the SSR signpost to Waihola when we reached Taieri Mouth. We were sure that we could link up with the SSR after a short detour along the road beyond Taieri Beach. Yes, we did but our “short detour” took us around 40 minutes along unsealed roads, up and down hills, through forest along the Akatore Road on a route which was possibly more suited to rallying. Reaching Balclutha was a relief and an opportunity to get something to eat. It is also one of the few places where you can fill up your fuel tank so make the most of that unless you have already done so in Dunedin. With few food shopping opportunities and a limited amount of places to dine out on the SSR it would be wise to also have a few non-perishable emergency supplies if you plan to spread the visit over a few days. Be aware that stores, etc work more traditional hours in this area so you won’t find a 24 hour “MacDonald’s“. Likewise if you plan to stay over, book ahead. We stayed at Kaka Point for a night, a couple of nights at Curio Bay and a night at Riverton on this occasion. All good accommodation reviewed on TA separately where possible (Seascape Accommodation, Kaka Point & Curio Bay Accommodation, Curio Bay). The self-contained unit at Riverton was “Miro” on Bates Street which we booked via AirBnB. Kaka Point is a stone’s throw from Nugget Point Lighthouse, another on the “must do” list of the SSR in my view. This time around we spotted an entire seal colony clinging to the almost vertical cliffs of one of the “Nuggets” overlooked by the lighthouse. It was bizarre how such bulky creatures had managed to climb such heights. We also managed to see a pod of sea lions a bit further along the coast at Cannibal Bay. The road to Nugget Point Lighthouse is sealed now however the one to Cannibal Bay is not…prepare for a bumpy ride down that one. Quite a few of the gravel roads have been sealed since our last visit which saves on time but perhaps takes away a little of the adventure. Yet again we were unable to visit Cathedral Caves as this time the approach road was closed. We had been advised that tidal closures apart, this attraction had been closed for part of the season in any case. Just our misfortune. Check their website for details of when they are open to get the timing correct…and perhaps have a towel and change of clothing on standby. If waterfalls are an attraction our favourites are at McLean Falls which are not far from Cathedral Caves. Although the Purakaunui Falls are much-photographed we found them at bit disappointing last time and on this occasion we went instead to the Matai Falls/Horseshoe Falls (two for the price of one) and the lesser known Koropuku Falls. The Matai Falls were fairly modest, as were the Koropuku Falls however we found the trail to the latter was a bit of an adventure which added to the enjoyment - it was like stepping into a tropical forest. Curio Bay has benefited from a newly built visitor centre (with café/restaurant) located between the petrified forest and Porpoise Bay. The centre serves a function however the main attraction is still the surroundings. The petrified forest was an interesting distraction whilst we spoke to a DOC ranger and waited in vain for the yellow-eyed penguins to come ashore at dusk. That was a disappointment as we had seen some of these rare penguins on our previous visit and had been unaware that their numbers were dwindling further in current times. Porpoise Bay has a fabulous, wind-swept beach and often hosts a resident pod of Hector’s Dolphins but they were not playing when we were there. By chance, further along the coast at Waipapa Point Lighthouse, we saw a Blue Penguin in broad daylight. A ragged looking specimen which was going through the molting process and hence the reason it wasn’t at sea fishing during the day as would normally be the case. It was nonetheless an uplifting moment for us since it was very unexpected. The sea lions which frequent the area around the lighthouse were not around on this occasion! Slightly further on we couldn’t resist revisiting Slope Point, the most southerly spot on mainland South Island. It was still blowing a gale, as it seems to do most of the time, but was easier to get to by road since it is one of the routes which has been sealed. Our travels around Riverton and further north towards Queenstown were not only limited due to poor weather but also the restrictions introduced as a result of Covid-19 and we were again left with the thought that we’d see a few more things next time we visit. We travelled in March 2020 and by the time we reached Riverton the country went into Level 3 Alert putting paid to our plans this time for seeing some of the other attractions on the SSR. In the meantime hopefully nature and staycation New Zealanders will enjoy this lovely part of the country.
3. Queens Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By dimike62 - Invercargill, New Zealand
Had a friend and her children here from Singapore ,she went to school in Invercargill had not been to Queens Park in a long time we all enjoyed our time there started with morning tea in the Cheeky llama, the play area, then the animals, then the the bird aviary, ducks we ended up having the whole morning there .
4. Invercargill Cenotaph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Michael-4551 - Caloundra, Australia
Visited on Wednesday 2nd May. A fitting memorial to those who died in the Great World Wars. Spend a few moments there to reflect on the sacrifice they made for us.
5. St Pauls Presbyterian Church
6. St. Mary's Basilica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
7. First Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By ledywah - Canberra, Australia
As a Presbyterian I found this church a must stop, look and photograph. Unfortunately we could not enter as it was being renovated so we could only walk around the outside and appreciate its beauty. The alcove to the fallen was poignant.
8. Invercargill i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
At the Invercargill i-SITE you'll find local staff brimming with knowledge about the best things to see and do in Invercargill and throughout Southland. We have information on activities, accommodation and transport throughout New Zealand. From major attractions to hidden gems off the beaten track, our friendly staff can help you plan an itinerary that works for you, whatever your interests, time and budget. We can take the hassle out of booking each service one-by-one. Let us recommend suitable services, then book and confirm on your behalf, with only one total payment rather than a myriad of individual payments.
9. The Seriously Good Chocolate Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Our concept store offers a wide range of our chocolates and truffles and the finest of coffee and food. All baked in our premises using fresh local ingredients where ever possible, our food has a seriously good reputation.
Reviewed By harleyboyd
A great selection of food and chocolates to satify all tastes. Awesome hot chocolate to stir with a chocolate spoon!
10. Oreti Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Retired-math-teacher
The sand is so well packed and solid, you really can take a two wheel drive onto this beach and drive for miles. Just make sure tide is out and will stay out for a while. Drive the speed limit or less and just have fun. Try some 360 degrees tight turns. Take a picnic lunch. See horses being exercised trotting behind owners' trucks. Maybe splash in the ocean if it's warm. Dig mussels. Lots to do here.
