The 10 Best Things to Do in Invercargill, New Zealand

October 5, 2017 Brandee Mangan

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. Bill Richardson Transport World

491 Tay St | Hawthorndale, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand +64 3-217 0199
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 483 reviews

Bill Richardson Transport World

Invercargill's Bill Richardson Transport World boosts the largest private collection of its type in the world. Bill's passion for trucks was evident in his penchant appetite to preserve them, starting back in 1967. Post Bill's death in 2005, the family has continued on with their own insatiable desire to grow this world class collection opening its doors to the public in December 2015. Comprising 15,000sqm, over 200 trucks form the heart of the collection, complemented by over 150 vintage petrol bowsers, VW Kombis, 7 of the 8 Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model T's, early Ford V8's from the 1930's, wearable arts, kids Construction Zone full of Lego. To top it all off wallow in some retail therapy at Transport World's gift shop or indulge in Southlands finest cuisine at The Grille café. Enthusiast or not, there's something here for everyone.

Reviewed By Gordon3638 - Whitianga, New Zealand

Having visited before, it was a must to go back to finish seeing the items we missed on our previous visit and to see what was new. The only problem with this venue is that the collection is so large it is hard to take it all in and it so well presented. If you go to Invercargill this is a must for both men and women

2. Classic Motorcycle Mecca

25 Tay Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand +64 3-218 4372
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 92 reviews

Classic Motorcycle Mecca

Given Transport World's natural enthusiasm for wheels and, the regions celebrated obsession with motorcycles, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a stunning addition to our city center. Widely regarded to be a world class display the collection houses over 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork. A new restored space has been developed within central Invercargill.

Reviewed By Moira A - Blackpool, United Kingdom

Great collection of vintage motorcycles over two floors. A must see if you love motorbikes. Displays are nicely spaced out with good ‘history’ for most of th bikes. And free Wi-fi is a bonus.We are very glad to hear you had a wonderful time with us at Classic Motorcycle Mecca. Thank you for your kind review.

3. Queens Park

Queens Drive, Invercargill, New Zealand +64 3-249 8866
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 494 reviews

Queens Park

Reviewed By Orna P - Tel Aviv, Israel

I have visited this park many times and still not have seen it all. What a wonderful place to look at the beauty of the trees, the flower bed, roses, the small pond with the ducks. Let alone the lawns, golf course and places for kids to play. I'm grateful to the genius minds that made the gardening design all those years ago. I also admire the way this park is being managed.

4. E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian

168 Dee Street, Invercargill, New Zealand +64 3-218 2059
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 665 reviews

E Hayes and Sons - The World's Fastest Indian

E Hayes and Sons is a hardware, homeware, giftware and engineering supply store 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 ORIGINAL ‘World's Fastest Indian' motorcycle

Reviewed By pdcaw - England, United Kingdom

For all motorbike enthusiasts, this is a 'must do' visit.
It's free to enter the store and wander around the aisles and displays...quirky way of displaying the motorcycle memorabilia amongst the d.i.y tools, household goods and camping equipment but it works and is probably as close to a perfect shopping trip for my husband as there could ever be..DIY tools and motorbikes under one roof ! Perfect !

5. Southern Scenic Route

Scenic drive from Queenstown to Dunedin via The Catlins, Invercargill, New Zealand
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 221 reviews

Southern Scenic Route

Reviewed By 337jaxsd

Take the time to complete the journey and to stop at the bush walks, cafes and Beaches. Some truly spectacular walks and scenes. Have you insect repellent and sun screen handy. Weather can be hot or windy and cold - be prepared for it all. Get out and see the sights, regardless of the weather. Be warned - if it’s hot - burn time can be 8 minutes!

108 Gala St, Invercargill, New Zealand +64 3-219 9069
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 366 reviews

Southland Museum and Art Gallery

Reviewed By ebinde - Hendersonville, North Carolina

Adjacent to Queen's Park, this is a nice stop for travelers and locals alike. The exhibits change periodically. During our visit there was a Burt Munro exhibit, coinciding with the recent annual Munro Challenge.
Travellers will appreciate the large area near the entrance with free information on local and regional attractions. There are also maps for sale.
There is a gift shop and café inside.
A local celebrity of sorts, a hundred - plus year old tuatara named Henry, lives here. Stop by and say hello.
Admission is free and donations are accepted.

7. Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Waipapa Point Road, Invercargill, New Zealand +64 800 362 468
Excellent
52%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Waipapa Point Lighthouse

Reviewed By Hamish S - Melbourne, Australia

part of our south coast adventure took us to this lighthouse. it was short and stout which suits the rugged coastline. during our walk down we saw 3 sea lions bathing in the sun. we made sure not to get too close to them, but they seemed content with people walking past them.

8. Oreti Beach

563 Dunns Road, Invercargill 9879, New Zealand
Excellent
65%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Oreti Beach

Reviewed By mariag00000 - Invercargill, New Zealand

You can park up and walk to your hearts content, stunning views to Stewart Island and Riverton, I’m a regular visitor and had a swim 31 October 2017, have never swam so early in the summer 26deg that day We love southland

9. Rakiura Rides

5 Sandy Point Road | Off Dunnes Road, Otatara, Invercargill 9879, New Zealand +64 21 234 0322
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 44 reviews

Rakiura Rides

We have 7 beautiful horses - 6 are Clydsedale x thoroughbred and one is a purebred Morgan, all of whom we totally adore and have wonderful personalities. All of our treks are in small groups, so you get more attention and help also with riding for the less confident. Nervous riders and young children (10+) can have their horse led on a lead rope by one of our experienced guides. The rides vary to suit ability. There is a one hour ride to suit beginners. This is along the rivers edge and through some bush tracks. Lots of fun. The two hour ride is suitable also for beginners to the experienced. The beginners don't go as far but is a super ride along the rivers edge also, through winding bush and forest tracks. If the riders can trot we also go over the sand dunes to the beach. Experienced riders can have a canter on the beach. If you bring your camera along we stop at various nice spots and take photos for you to remind you of your day We supply helmets, gloves and wet weather gear. We do have a weight limit -- to protect the horses backs -- of 100 kg We are situated ten minutes drive from Invercargill CBD. Many overseas travellers have come along - their general comment - "its blows them away - so much "space" and freedom! We operate all year around, but we are weather dependent. If you love the outdoors, some good company and a great ride come for a trek, Times are limited - depending on availability - 1-5 people per ride. "A True Southern Experience"

Reviewed By bigjo30 - Brest, France

We had a perfect and challenging 3 hours horse treck especially organized by Suzy for us! What a pleasure to ride so good and beloved horses! What an amazing treck we had by discovering all Sandy Point landscapes! From the bush to the forest, on the beach or on the river borders, it was just perfect!

10. Invercargill i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

108 Gala Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand +64 3-211 0895
Excellent
64%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Invercargill i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

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.

Reviewed By Anne M

Easy access to Invercargill's I-site location, friendly and helpful staff, interesting ambience with shopping and Café and adjacent attractions. A range of promotional material is available, but your questions and queries will be satisfied. Do not leave Town without a visit, you will not be...MoreHi Anne, glad you had a great experience at the Invercargill i-SITE and enjoyed all the wonders our city has to offer.

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