Location: Invercargill
Top Things to do in Invercargill
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What to do and see in Invercargill, South Island: The Best Outdoor Activities
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. Catch-A-Bus South
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Sit back and relax, we'll take care of the rest. Catch-a-Bus South provide convenient, reliable and affordable door to door transfers between Invercargill, Bluff, Dunedin and Queenstown. We can also pick you up and drop you off anywhere en route, including but not limited to Gore and Winton.
2. Rakiura Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
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 Cuthereccil - Tauranga, New Zealand
I just loved spending two hours with Sue and her beautiful horses. We went through the forest and onto a wild beach , we decided on a more leisurely pace. I loved every minute ,it is an experience I will never forget.
3. Adventure Southland
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Just a 10 minute drive from Invercargill city centre, Adventure Southland is the perfect setting to satisfy your inner adventure junky. With 12 exciting challenges on offer, our high ropes course is sure to test groups of all sizes and abilities. Or try our outdoor climbing wall, abseil tower and 65m zipline – sure to make your visit to Invercargill a memorable one! If you’re looking for some friendly competition, then Ultimate Archery is for you. A cross between dodgeball and archery, this exhilarating game uses a bow and foam tipped arrows to eliminate your opponents. There are range of rule variations to try, making it the perfect way to battle with your friends and family. Push your limits, face your fears, or compete with your friends and family in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
4. Stewart Island Flights
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
We maintain scheduled flights linking Stewart Island and Invercargill year round. Charter Flights to Mason Bay and Doughboy Bay.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Splash Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Drive up, jump out, dive in! The Southland Aquatic Centre – Splash Palace – is one of the top public pool facilities in New Zealand. The indoor aquatic centre is within walking distance of the central business district and close to a large selection of motels and parks. The facility includes a 50m x 8 lane sports pool with a bulkhead, a leisure pool with waves and sprays, a tots’ pool and a learners’ pool. There is also a water slide, spa pool, sauna and a cafe – all indoors and with free off-street car parking.
8. New Zealand Guided Fly Fishing - Tours
The World's Most Exciting Fly Fishing Trips! Whether you're a beginner wanting to experience the thrill of fly fishing for the very first time, or a seasoned expert seeking the ultimate Mayfly hatch, we have a fly fishing package to suit you. With a skilled, friendly guide, postcard scenery and world class fly fishing you'll enjoy the trip of a lifetime!
9. Club GT
Based in Invercargill New Zealand, Club GT offers Super-car driving experiences.
10. Fern and Feather Retreat
Fern and Feather Retreat provides luxury relaxation experiences in a local nature setting. You can unwind and soak in the warm comfort of your own outdoor bath amongst native bush and birds. Or relax your mind and body indoors with a hot stone relaxation massage. Both services are suitable for solitude or with a treasured friend, family member or partner. Online booking available.
