New Zealand’s southernmost city offers a charming mix of Victorian, Baroque and Edwardian architecture. The city’s vibrant lights overlook the Waihopai River and are near Fiordland National Park and Stewart Island, one of the best places to see the Aurora Australis.
Things to do in Invercargill
Stroll around the city’s wide boulevards lined with centuries-old architecture. Admire the elegant facade of the Victorian Railway Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand, before climbing to the top of the iconic Water Tower for superb views.
Discover the natural and human history of Invercargill at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery. The Maori Gallery boasts a wealth of cultural artifacts, while the Wildlife Exhibit houses giant fossils from the Jurassic Period and New Zealand’s oldest tuatara, a native species described as “living dinosaurs”.
Unwind in the 80-hectare Queens Park in the heart of Invercargill. Follow the native forest trails and relax in the tranquil Japanese garden. If you’re a self-confessed chocoholic, treat yourself to a truffle at the Good Chocolate Company on Windsor Street.
Have you ever dreamt of seeing penguins? Take a day trip to Porpoise Bay and watch the local yellow-eyed penguins return to shore. During summer, you can also spot the rare Hector’s Dolphins swimming offshore, as well as fur seals and sea lions basking along the rocky coastline.
Getting around Invercargill
Invercargill is about 2.5 hours’ drive south of Queenstown and Dunedin. You can arrive by Intercity bus or fly into Invercargill Airport, just three kilometers from the city centre. Local buses and hire cars are a convenient way to get around the town.