Invercargill & Southland Car Hire: Gateway to Fiordland & Stewart Island
Choosing car hire Invercargill puts you at the very bottom of the South Island with the whole Deep South within easy reach. Collect your car at Invercargill Airport and you can be at the Bluff ferry for Stewart Island/Rakiura in under half an hour, on the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins by lunchtime, or heading for Te Anau and Milford Sound in Fiordland the same day. It is the most flexible launchpad for exploring Southland at your own pace.
Kia ora and welcome to the Deep South. If you have just landed at Invercargill, grabbed your bags and wandered over to collect your keys, you are already in one of the best spots in the country to start a road trip. Southland does not shout about itself, but once you’re out on the open roads with the Foveaux Strait on one side and rolling green farmland on the other, you will see why locals are so quietly proud of it.
This guide is the kind of chat we have with customers over the counter every day: where to go, how long things really take, what the weather might throw at you, and the little bits of local knowledge that make a trip run smoothly.
Australia & NZ's Southernmost Airport Hub
Invercargill sits further south than any other main airport in Australia or New Zealand, and that geography is exactly what makes it such a handy base. Rather than driving down from Queenstown or Dunedin and spending a day getting into position, you start right where the action is.
Why Invercargill works as a base
Think of the city as the centre of a wheel, with great day trips and multi-day circuits running off in every direction:
- South to Bluff and Stewart Island/Rakiura: a short, easy run down SH1 to the ferry terminal and Stirling Point.
- East to the Catlins: wild coastline, waterfalls, rare wildlife and the petrified forest at Curio Bay, following the Southern Scenic Route.
- West to Riverton and Western Southland: the seaside town of Riverton/Aparima, then on through Tuatapere towards Fiordland.
- North to Fiordland and Queenstown: SH6 heads north through Winton and Lumsden, linking with the roads to Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Because everything fans out from one point, you can base yourself in Invercargill for a few nights and do a different day trip each morning, or use the city as the starting line for a longer loop. Either way, Southland car hire gives you a freedom that coach timetables simply cannot match down here, where public transport between the smaller towns is limited.
A city worth a few hours
Before you rush off, Invercargill itself is worth a look. Queens Park is a lovely green space in the middle of town, and the city has a real love affair with anything on wheels. Petrolheads will want to make time for Bill Richardson Transport World and the motorcycle collections tied to the legend of Burt Munro.
Local Tip from the RaD Invercargill Team
Before you leave town, pick up a few cheese rolls from a local bakery or café. They are a Southland institution (some people call them "Southland sushi"): a slice of bread spread with a savoury cheese mixture, rolled up and toasted with butter. They travel well in the car and make a perfect warm snack on a chilly coastal stop.
Airport Depot & City Access
One of the nicest things about Invercargill airport car rental is how relaxed it is. This is not a sprawling international hub with long walks, multi-level car parks and queues. It is small, friendly and easy to navigate.
Finding RaD Car Hire Invercargill
We are the southernmost RaD Car Hire branch in the country. Our office and rental car park are at 69 Airport Avenue, just before the main terminal building at Invercargill Airport and only a 3-minute drive from the city centre. The airport is signposted from every direction as you come into the city, so it is very hard to miss.
Flying in? We offer a free pick-up service from Invercargill Airport, so you do not need to haul your bags anywhere. Just contact our reservations team before you travel to arrange it and check how the pick-up service works for your arrival time. You can reach them on 0800 73 68 23, or call the Invercargill branch directly on 03 214 4820.
Easy pickup, easy loading
- No city-centre stress: the airport sits on the western edge of Invercargill, only a few minutes' drive from the CBD, so you are not starting your trip in traffic.
- Room to sort yourself out: take a moment at the branch to adjust your seat and mirrors, connect your phone and load your luggage properly before you set off.
- Pack heavy bags low: put the heaviest cases in the boot first and lighter soft bags on top. It keeps things stable on winding coastal roads.
Getting onto the main routes
From the airport you can be heading in any direction within minutes:
- SH1 south to Bluff: through the city and straight down to the coast.
- SH6 north: towards Winton, Lumsden, Queenstown and the turn-off for Te Anau and Fiordland.
- SH99 west: the western leg of the Southern Scenic Route, via Riverton and Tuatapere.
- SH92 east: the Catlins leg of the Southern Scenic Route, via Fortrose towards Balclutha.
Invercargill's city grid is flat, wide and straightforward, so even if it is your first time driving in New Zealand, it is a gentle place to get used to the car.
Local Tip from the RaD Invercargill Team
Do not leave refuelling until you are back at the airport. The nearest petrol station to the branch is the NPD at 238 Bond Street, so you can fill up on your way in and roll into the car park relaxed instead of watching the fuel gauge. Ask us when you collect your car and we will show you exactly where it is on your route back.
Driving Bluff Highway & Parking for Stewart Island Ferry
The run down to Bluff
The drive from Invercargill to Bluff is one of the easiest in the region. It’s roughly 25 to 30 minutes down SH1, flat and straightforward, with the estuary and port views opening up as you get closer.
Once you’re in Bluff, carry on through town to Stirling Point, where SH1 officially ends. The famous signpost there is the classic photo stop, with distances to cities all over the world. On a clear day it is also worth driving up to the lookout on Bluff Hill/Motupōhue for wide views across the Foveaux Strait towards Stewart Island.
Crossing to Stewart Island/Rakiura
The passenger ferry to Oban on Stewart Island/Rakiura leaves from the visitor terminal at 21 Foreshore Road, Bluff. The crossing takes about an hour, and on the way across it is well worth keeping an eye out for albatross gliding behind the boat.
A few practical points for planning your crossing:
- Book ahead, especially over summer and holiday weekends.
- Check the current timetable before you lock in your plans. There are more sailings in summer than in winter, and all departures depend on weather and sea conditions.
- Luggage is limited. The ferry operator has a set baggage allowance per passenger, with extra items carried by arrangement, so check the details when you book.
Bluff ferry car rental parking
This is the question we get asked most often, so here’s the straightforward version. Paid vehicle parking is available right next to the Bluff ferry terminal, with both undercover and outdoor options, set up for people driving down to catch the ferry. Rates and availability can change, so check them with the ferry operator when you book your crossing.
Some practical habits that make Bluff ferry car rental parking easy:
- Pack an overnight bag before you leave Invercargill. Sort out what you need on the island (warm layers, rain jacket, walking shoes, chargers, toiletries) into one bag, so you are not unpacking the whole boot in the car park.
- Leave larger luggage out of sight. Anything staying behind should go in the boot, not on the back seat.
- Take your valuables with you. Passports, laptops, cameras and wallets come on the island with you.
- Double-check before you walk away. Windows up, doors locked, lights off.
- Let us know your plans. If you are leaving the car in Bluff for a few nights, mention it when you collect your car so we can make sure everything lines up with your booking.
Local Tip from the RaD Invercargill Team
Give yourself a generous time buffer for the ferry. Leave Invercargill well ahead of your sailing so you have time to park, sort your bags and check in without a rush. If you have time to spare, grab a coffee and take a wander. And if you are visiting in the cooler months, keep an eye out for Bluff oysters on local menus. They are a seasonal delicacy and the town is rightly proud of them.
Southern Ocean Weather & Gravel Road Safety
We love the Deep South, but we would be doing you a disservice if we pretended the weather is always kind. Southland sits in the path of the Roaring Forties, the strong westerly winds that sweep across the Southern Ocean, and conditions can change surprisingly quickly.
What to expect on the road
- Strong gusts: open coastal stretches and exposed farmland can catch the wind, particularly in a lighter car. Keep both hands on the wheel and expect a nudge as you pass gaps in shelter belts or crest a rise.
- Sudden changes: a bright blue morning can turn to driving rain or hail within the hour when a southerly comes through. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket even if it looks glorious when you set off.
- Coastal drizzle and spray: misty, damp conditions are common along the coast. Use your headlights and give yourself extra room.
- Morning frost and black ice: in the cooler months, shaded corners, bridges and inland roads can stay icy well into the morning. Ease off and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Gravel roads in the Catlins and beyond
The main Southern Scenic Route is sealed, but some of the side roads to the walks, lookouts and waterfalls that make the Catlins so special are gravel. The approach to Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island, is a good example, and some waterfall car parks are reached the same way.
The good news is that RaD hire cars can be driven on unsealed public roads, so the Catlins' gravel side roads are open to you. Our rental terms only exclude a few specific roads elsewhere in the country (Ball Hut Road at Mt Cook, Skippers Canyon Road near Queenstown and Ninety Mile Beach in Northland), along with unsealed private roads and driving through fords, creeks, streams or rivers. Keep in mind that single-vehicle accidents and undercarriage damage caused by misjudgement or careless driving are not covered, which is one more reason to take gravel nice and slowly.
If you are heading onto unsealed roads, these habits make a big difference:
- Slow right down. Gravel gives you far less grip than seal, especially on corners.
- Brake gently and early. Sudden braking on loose stones can make the car slide.
- Keep left and watch for oncoming traffic. Many gravel roads are narrow, with blind corners and crests.
- Increase your following distance. It keeps you out of dust and away from flying stones that can chip a windscreen.
- Watch for stock and farm vehicles. Much of the Catlins is working farmland.
- Stay on public roads. Farm tracks, private driveways and stream crossings are off limits, however tempting the view at the end.
Checking road conditions
Before any longer drive, especially to Fiordland in winter, check the NZ Transport Agency's road conditions and the MetService forecast. A two-minute look the night before and again in the morning can save a lot of hassle.
Local Tip from the RaD Invercargill Team
In a Southland gale, open your car door with two hands and keep a firm grip on it. A strong gust can fling a door wide open, damaging the hinges or the car parked next to you. Where you can, park facing into the wind so the door is less likely to be snatched. It sounds small, but at spots like Stirling Point and Slope Point it makes a real difference.
Recommended Vehicles for Deep South Exploration
Compact cars and hatchbacks
Perfect for couples or solo travellers sticking mainly to sealed highways.
- Economical on fuel for longer days on SH1, SH6 and SH99
- Easy to park in Invercargill, Bluff and Te Anau
- Great value for city-based stays with day trips to Bluff and Riverton
View our range of compact cars.
Sedans
A step up in comfort and boot space for longer touring days.
- Comfortable on the long run up to Te Anau and Milford Sound
- More room for luggage than a hatchback
- A smooth, settled ride on open highways
View our range of medium size cars.
Compact and mid-size SUVs
Our pick for anyone planning to explore the Catlins properly or travelling with plenty of gear. Ask about a compact SUV such as a Toyota RAV4 or similar, depending on availability.
- Higher ground clearance for gravel access roads and uneven car parks
- A higher driving position for better visibility on winding coastal roads
- Plenty of space for luggage, walking boots, camera gear and the odd bag of shopping
View our range of SUVs and 4x4 rental cars.
People movers
Ideal for families and groups.
- Space for everyone and their luggage on long touring days
- Comfortable for multi-day trips around the Southern Scenic Route
- Everyone travels together, which makes it much easier to coordinate stops
View our range of premium rental cars including 8-seaters and people movers.
Every hire comes with GST and standard insurance included, and our team can talk you through the options when you book.
Local Tip from the RaD Invercargill Team
If you are planning both Stewart Island and the Catlins, think about how much luggage you are really taking. A slightly larger car makes it much easier to keep your main bags securely in the boot while you are on the island, and gives you more comfort on the longer drives either side. If you are unsure, give us a call and tell us your plans, and we will suggest the best fit.
Epic Road Trip Launchpad
This is where car hire Invercargill really comes into its own. From the branch, two of New Zealand's great road trips start almost on your doorstep.
Heading West and North: Riverton to Milford Sound
This is the western half of the Southern Scenic Route, linking the Southland coast with the lakes and mountains of Fiordland.
Invercargill to Riverton (about 40 minutes) Follow SH99 west to Riverton/Aparima, one of the oldest European settlements in the country. It is a relaxed seaside town with a good beach, a few galleries and cafés, and a nice spot to stretch your legs.
Riverton to Tuatapere (about 45 minutes) The road hugs the coast past Colac Bay, Orepuki and Gemstone Beach, where people still fossick for semi-precious stones. McCracken's Rest is a great lookout over Te Waewae Bay, where Hector's dolphins and, at times, southern right whales have been spotted. Tuatapere itself bills itself as the sausage capital of New Zealand, so it is a fair place for lunch.
Tuatapere to Lake Manapouri and Te Anau (about 1 hour 30 minutes) From Tuatapere, continue north past the historic Clifden Suspension Bridge and up through farmland and bush to Lake Manapouri, the starting point for Doubtful Sound trips. It is then a short drive on to Te Anau, your base for Fiordland.
Te Anau to Milford Sound (at least 2 hours, without stops) The Milford Road (SH94) is one of the most spectacular drives in the world, with lookouts, walks and photo stops all the way. Allow plenty of time, because you will want to stop. Fill up with fuel in Te Anau, as there are very limited options on the way in, and expect patchy or no mobile coverage for much of the route.
Between June and November, you may need to carry snow chains on the Milford Road when signs require it, and the road can close at short notice in bad weather. Always check the NZ Transport Agency's Milford Road status before you go.
Short on time? If you want to get to Fiordland quickly, take SH6 north from Invercargill through Winton to Lumsden, then follow the signs west to Te Anau. It is a faster, more direct route than the coastal road.
Heading East: The Catlins Coast to Dunedin
The eastern half of the Southern Scenic Route follows SH92 through the Catlins, a wild, sparsely populated corner of the South Island with rainforest running right down to the sea.
Invercargill to Waipapa Point and Slope Point Head east via Fortrose to Waipapa Point, with its historic lighthouse and resident sea lions on the beach (keep at least 20 metres away). Then make the detour to Slope Point, the southernmost tip of the South Island. The final walk crosses farmland to a small signpost on the cliffs, and the wind-bent trees on the way are a sight in themselves.
Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay One of the highlights of the whole trip. At Curio Bay, low tide reveals a petrified forest around 170 to 180 million years old, viewable from a platform and walkable at low tide. Next door, Porpoise Bay is home to Hector's dolphins, which often play in the surf. Rare yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho nest in the area too.
McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls and Florence Hill Continue east past the Catlins' famous waterfalls. McLean Falls and Purakaunui Falls are both short, beautiful bush walks. Stop at Florence Hill Lookout for a sweeping view over Tautuku Bay.
Owaka and Nugget Point/Tokatā Owaka is the main township in the Catlins and a good place for fuel and supplies. From there, head to Nugget Point/Tokatā, where a short walk leads to a lighthouse perched above jagged rocks, with seals often lounging below.
On to Dunedin From Nugget Point, carry on through Balclutha and up SH1 to Dunedin. Many people take two or three days over the Catlins to give themselves time to enjoy it properly, rather than rushing it in one long day.
Local Tip from the RaD Invercargill Team
If you want the best chance of seeing yellow-eyed penguins at Curio Bay, aim to be there from late afternoon into the evening, when they come ashore after a day feeding at sea. Stay well back, keep quiet and stick to the viewing areas, because these are among the rarest penguins in the world and very easily disturbed. Check the tide times too, so you can see the petrified forest at low tide on the same visit.
Frequently Asked Questions: Invercargill Car Rental
Can I leave my rental car in Bluff while I visit Stewart Island?
Yes, this is a very common plan. Paid parking, both undercover and outdoor, is available right next to the Bluff ferry terminal for people taking the ferry to Stewart Island/Rakiura. Pack an overnight bag before you leave, lock your main luggage in the boot, and take valuables with you. Let us know your plans when you collect the car so we can make sure everything matches your booking.
Can I drive a RaD hire car on gravel roads in the Catlins?
Yes. RaD hire cars can be driven on unsealed public roads, including the gravel side roads to walks, lookouts and Slope Point in the Catlins. The rental terms exclude unsealed private roads, fords and water crossings, and three named roads elsewhere in New Zealand (Ball Hut Road, Skippers Canyon Road and Ninety Mile Beach), none of which are in Southland. Single-vehicle accidents and undercarriage damage from careless driving are not covered, so slow down, brake gently and leave plenty of space on gravel.
How far in advance should I book my Invercargill airport car rental?
Booking as early as you can is always wise, especially for the summer months, school holidays and long weekends, when demand for Invercargill airport car rental is highest and larger vehicles such as SUVs and people movers can book out. If your trip also involves a Stewart Island ferry or Milford Sound cruise, booking everything together makes it easier to line up your times.
What vehicle is best suited for driving the Southern Scenic Route?
For couples sticking to sealed roads, a compact car or sedan is comfortable and economical. If you plan to explore gravel side roads in the Catlins, carry a lot of luggage or travel as a family, a compact or mid-size SUV or a people mover gives you more space, clearance and comfort. Tell us your route and we will recommend the best match.
Where is the RaD Car Hire Invercargill branch located in relation to the airport terminal?
RaD Car Hire Invercargill's office and rental car park are at 69 Airport Avenue, just before the main terminal building at Invercargill Airport and only a 3-minute drive from the city centre. We offer a free pick-up service from the airport. Contact our reservations team on 0800 73 68 23, or the branch directly on 03 214 4820, before you travel to arrange it and discuss the pick-up service policies.
Ready to explore the Deep South? Book your car hire Invercargill with RaD Car Hire and let the RaD Invercargill Team help you plan the perfect Southland road trip.