Invercargill / Southland

Best arrival airport

Invercargill Airport (IVC) — domestic only

Getting around

Local buses cover the city; a car is strongly recommended for Southland and the Catlins

Typical transfer

IVC to city centre: usually 5–10 min

Arriving and starting the trip

Invercargill Airport (IVC) — domestic only. IVC to city centre: usually 5–10 min. Confirm the current timetable or road conditions before departure.

Without a car

Local buses cover the city; a car is strongly recommended for Southland and the Catlins. Check the live operator timetable because services and connections can change.

When a car helps

BusSmart covers the city. A car or tour is useful for the Catlins and other rural areas; Stewart Island travel requires a flight or ferry connection rather than a road journey.

One day

Build a focused day around E Hayes Motorworks Collection, Classic Motorcycle Mecca and He Waka Tuia Art + Museum. Keep travel time realistic and prioritise one booked or weather-dependent activity.

Two days

Use the first day for the central highlights. On day two, add Queens Park, Invercargill Water Tower or Bill Richardson Transport World, grouping places that sit in the same direction.

Three days

Add a regional day involving Dig This Invercargill, Anderson Park or Demolition World. Retain flexibility for weather, road conditions and operator changes.

Weather and seasons

Southland weather is cool and changeable, with strong wind possible on the coast and around Foveaux Strait. Carry warm waterproof layers.

Local conditions

Check marine services, road conditions and daylight before remote trips. Keep fuel topped up and do not underestimate distances between services.

Bookings and live information

Book Stewart Island transport, wildlife trips and limited peak accommodation before finalising the itinerary. Recheck official information shortly before travelling.

E Hayes Motorworks Collection

From the centre: In Invercargill centre • usually walkable

Visit information: Free to view during current E Hayes store opening hours

A working hardware store containing classic motorcycles, cars and machinery, including Burt Munro memorabilia and motorcycles.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca

From the centre: In Invercargill centre • usually walkable

Visit information: Open daily 10am–5pm except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

A museum displaying more than 300 classic motorcycles and motorsport collections.

He Waka Tuia Art + Museum

From the centre: In Invercargill centre • usually walkable

Visit information: Monday–Friday 10am–5pm; weekends 11am–2:30pm; check exhibition and holiday changes

A central transitional gallery and museum space presenting changing art, history and cultural exhibitions from Murihiku.

Queens Park

From the centre: 2 km • about 5 min drive or 20 min walk from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Public park open daily; individual facilities have separate hours

A 32-hectare central-city park with gardens, playgrounds, aviary, animal reserve and walking paths.

Invercargill Water Tower

From the centre: 2 km • about 5 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Exterior visible daily; visitors cannot enter or climb the tower

An 1889 landmark and exterior heritage photo stop near the city centre. The tower has been closed to public entry since 2012 for earthquake safety.

Bill Richardson Transport World

From the centre: 5 km • about 8 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Open daily 10am–5pm except Christmas Day and Boxing Day; confirm holiday changes

A large private collection of trucks, cars, petrol memorabilia and transport displays.

Dig This Invercargill

From the centre: 6 km • about 8–10 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Advance booking required; sessions and age restrictions vary

A supervised heavy-equipment experience where visitors operate excavators and machinery.

Anderson Park

From the centre: 9 km • about 12 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Park open during posted daylight hours; the house may not be open to visitors

A landscaped public park surrounding the historic Anderson House north of Invercargill.

Demolition World

From the centre: 9 km • about 12 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Opening can vary; confirm directly before making a special trip

A quirky private heritage village assembled from rescued buildings, signs and memorabilia.

Sandy Point

From the centre: 9 km • about 12 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Daylight use recommended; observe reserve and track notices

A large recreation reserve with forest tracks, mountain biking, sports areas and estuary views.

Oreti Beach

From the centre: 12 km • about 15 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Open daily; check tides and conditions and drive only where permitted

A broad vehicle-accessible beach associated with Burt Munro’s historic speed trials.

Stirling Point

From the centre: 28 km • about 25–30 min drive to Bluff

Visit information: Public outdoor site open daily; visit in daylight and expect exposed coastal weather

A landmark at the southern end of State Highway 1 with the famous distance signpost and Foveaux Strait views.

Bluff Hill / Motupōhue

From the centre: 30 km • about 30 min drive to Bluff Hill

Visit information: Daylight use recommended; check weather and follow current track notices

A forested hill above Bluff with walking and cycling trails, restoration areas and wide views over Foveaux Strait.

Riverton

From the centre: 30 km • about 30–35 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Public areas open daily; individual attractions and cafés set their own hours

A western Southland coastal town with beaches, galleries and a historic waterfront.

Te Hikoi Museum

From the centre: 30 km • about 30–35 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Check the museum’s current seasonal opening hours before travelling

Riverton’s museum presenting southern Māori and European settlement history.

Waipapa Point

From the centre: 55 km • about 55 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Daylight access; keep at least 20 metres from sea lions and check coastal weather

A Catlins coastal stop with an 1884 lighthouse, dunes and possible sea-lion sightings.

Slope Point

From the centre: Around 75 km • about 1 hr 15 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: No public access during lambing, normally September–November; otherwise daylight access

The South Island’s southernmost point, reached by a short walk across private farmland.

Curio Bay

From the centre: Around 85 km • about 1 hr 20 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Daylight visit; check tides and obey wildlife exclusion areas

A Catlins bay known for its petrified forest, coastal scenery and protected wildlife.

Stewart Island day trip

From the centre: About 30 min drive to Bluff, then roughly 1 hr ferry crossing

Visit information: Use the live RealNZ return timetable; sailings vary seasonally, are weather-dependent and should be booked ahead

A ferry day trip from Bluff—not Invercargill—to Oban for coastal walks, wildlife and village sightseeing. Allow time to travel between Invercargill and Bluff.

Nugget Point day trip

From the centre: Around 110 km • about 1 hr 45 min drive from Invercargill centre

Visit information: Daylight access; allow a full return day from Invercargill and check road conditions

A longer Catlins excursion to Tokata Lighthouse and views over rocky sea stacks.

The Saucy Chef

A long-running Invercargill restaurant serving contemporary New Zealand dishes.

Buster Crabb

A central bar and restaurant in a restored heritage building.

Elegance at 148

An intimate restaurant offering set-menu and à la carte dining.

The Batch Cafe

A popular central café serving breakfast, lunch and cabinet food.

The Cabbage Tree

A family-friendly restaurant and bar in Otatara, a short drive from central Invercargill.

Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels

An independent family-owned holiday park on the northern edge of Invercargill with tent and powered sites, cabins and motel rooms.

Central City Camping Park

A compact motorhome and camping park close to Invercargill’s centre.

Riverton Holiday Park

A coastal holiday park west of Invercargill with camping and cabins.

Pounawea Motor Camp

An established Catlins motor camp in a sheltered natural setting near the Catlins River estuary.

How many days should I spend in Invercargill / Southland?

1–2 days is a useful starting point. Add another day for a longer regional trip, weather flexibility or a slower pace.

Can I visit Invercargill / Southland without a car?

Local buses cover the city; a car is strongly recommended for Southland and the Catlins. BusSmart covers the city. A car or tour is useful for the Catlins and other rural areas; Stewart Island travel requires a flight or ferry connection rather than a road journey.

How should I arrive in Invercargill / Southland?

Invercargill Airport (IVC) — domestic only. IVC to city centre: usually 5–10 min. Confirm the current timetable or road conditions before departure.

What should I book before visiting Invercargill / Southland?

Book Stewart Island transport, wildlife trips and limited peak accommodation before finalising the itinerary.

What weather should I prepare for in Invercargill / Southland?

Southland weather is cool and changeable, with strong wind possible on the coast and around Foveaux Strait. Carry warm waterproof layers.

Is Invercargill / Southland a useful base for day trips?

Yes. Common onward options include Queenstown or Dunedin. Check realistic return-driving time, road conditions and the operating hours of the main activity before committing to a same-day trip.