Things to do in Invercargill
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to be exploring Invercargill – New Zealand’s southernmost city. Like many hidden gems in the South Island, like Dunedin or Te Anau, Invercargill often gets overlooked, with most tourists opting to visit superstar destinations like Queenstown, Wanaka and Nelson. Those who do venture far south, however, get to experience a place like no other in New Zealand, where the next stop south will land you in Antarctica. Invercargill is a bit of a hidden gem in the New Zealand tourism landscape, however, word is starting to get out, and more and more people are heading to this quaint destination to find out what all the fuss is about.
In this guide, we will give you some top tips from our local guides on things to do in Invercargill, where to stay, what to eat and the amazing sights to see.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Invercargill, so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Invercargill branch is conveniently located near the airport, with a free shuttle bus available to take you from the terminal to our branch or vice versa, making it quick and easy to get you on the road and exploring the best that Southland has to offer.
Invercargill Activities
Invercargill and the wider Southland region is a pretty awesome part of New Zealand to explore and there is lots to do in the area. Whilst there are lots of activities to get stuck into in and around Invercargill, we wanted to check in with our team down in Invercargill to get the insider tips on the best things to do on your next visit. Whether you enjoy the great outdoors, discovering the history behind some of New Zealand’s history with automobiles, or you simply want some ideas for things to see and do, we’ve got you covered.
Here are five recommendations from our team for the best things to do in Invercargill:
Visit Demolition World
This quirky attraction is a must-visit for those looking for something unusual. It features scrapped buildings, rebuilt churches, and vintage mannequins in various scenes, offering a truly unique experience. If you are looking for a hidden gem in Invercargill, this one is top of the list. It’s a bit random to be honest, but in all the right ways. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it is what they say!
Explore the Omaui Walkway
While many guides mention the Foveaux Walkway, the Omaui Walkway is another serene coastal trail with breathtaking views and native wildlife. It offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Our team recommend this walk as it tends to be a bit less crowded than other popular walks in the Invercargill area, but is absolutely stunning. It’s a 4.7km out-and-back track which is not too challenging and is extremely rewarding in terms of the views.
Take a Sculpture Hunt
Invercargill is dotted with sculptures, such as "The Tale of Southland – Murihiku," which represents the region. Going on a sculpture hunt can be a fun and creative way to explore the city. The team had lots of ideas for different sculptures you could visit on your adventure so the easiest thing to do is to Google “sculptures invercargill” and see which ones float your boat. Then plan out a walking route to check them all out.
Enjoy a Bespoke Chocolate-Making Class at The Seriously Good Chocolate Company
This place is well-known for producing delicious chocolate and is a favourite place for visitors and locals alike. While many know about the chocolate shop, fewer are aware of the bespoke chocolate-making classes available. This is a unique experience for foodies and families alike. There’s nothing quite like making your own chocolate and then getting to eat it afterwards – that’s our kind of workshop!
Visit the Southland Fire Museum
Invercargill is absolutely chocca with museums, and some of the others tend to grab the headlines like Bill Richardson’s Transport World or Classic Motorcycle Mecca, however, this museum showcases the rich legacy of firefighting with captivating exhibits featuring vintage engines. It's a lesser-known gem that offers a fascinating look into the city's history.
Invercargill Places to Eat
Deciding where to eat when you are visiting a new city is usually one of the biggest challenges, especially if you are in a group. Deciding what type of food you want, looking up restaurant reviews, and hoping they have a table free all add to the challenge of finding somewhere great to eat. In this guide, our team down in Invercargill have put their heads together to pull this list of the best places to eat out in Invercargill together. We have tried to cater for all tastes and all budgets so no matter what food you are looking for, hopefully you will find something suitable below.
Here are five of the best places to eat out in Invercargill:
RE Burger Invercargill
· Cuisine: Gourmet Burgers
· Budget: Affordable ($)
· Features: A casual spot known for its inventive gourmet burgers and quick bites, RE Burger is perfect for lunch or dinner. With options like kumara fries and vegetarian offerings, it caters to diverse preferences. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for groups or solo diners. This is always a popular after-work spot for the team in Invercargill with a great selection if burgers and a great atmosphere.
Speight's Ale House Invercargill
· Cuisine: Kiwi Pub Classics
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: New Zealand’s restaurant scene would not be complete without a Speight’s Ale House. Found in many New Zealand towns and cities, you know exactly what you are going to get in a Speight’s Ale House. This cosy brewpub combines hearty New Zealand fare with a welcoming atmosphere, complete with a fireplace. Known for its craft beers and pub staples, it's a great spot for lunch or dinner with friends or family.
Amigos Invercargill
· Cuisine: Mexican
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Who doesn’t love a good Mexican restaurant? Amigos serves vibrant Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas in a trendy setting. With vegetarian options and great cocktails, it’s perfect for those seeking bold flavours and a lively dining experience. Enjoy an ice cold beer or one of their great cocktails with your delicious food.
The Saucy Chef Restaurant & Bar
· Cuisine: Modern European with Wild Game Specialties
· Budget: Mid-range to Premium ($$-$$$)
· Features: Known for its creative dishes featuring local ingredients, The Saucy Chef offers unique options like goat shanks and hare leg risotto alongside classic European fare. Its cosy yet upscale ambiance makes it ideal for special occasions. It’s a super popular place with locals and is accommodating to kids, families, big groups or cosy dining for two.
Báhn Mi Vietnamese Street Food
· Cuisine: Vietnamese
· Budget: Affordable ($)
· Features: Located in the Invercargill Central Complex, Báhn Mi specialises in authentic Vietnamese street food like pho, summer rolls, and tangy stews. The vibrant décor and fresh flavours make it a standout choice for casual dining.
Invercargill Accommodation
One of the first things to do when you are booking a holiday is to sort out your accommodation. Choosing where to stay can be just as challenging as deciding where to eat; however, hopefully, this guide will help you to narrow down your options. Of course, there are lots of other accommodation options outside of hotels and motels – Airbnbs and holiday homes are a popular option in New Zealand; however, given the changing nature of those properties, we have focused our recommendations on a range of motels and hotels in Invercargill to suit all budgets.
Here are five of the best places to stay in Invercargill:
The Langlands Hotel
· Location: Central Invercargill
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: Invercargill's newest luxury hotel, The Langlands offers 78 stylish rooms and suites with modern design and thoughtful touches, such as ambient lighting and comfortable beds. It boasts five on-site eateries, including Brew’d for coffee lovers and a fusion-inspired signature restaurant. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the city.
Bella Vista Motel Invercargill
· Location: Near the city centre
· Budget: Affordable ($)
· Features: You will find Bella Vista motels throughout New Zealand and Invercargill is no different. A Qualmark-rated 4-star motel offering a variety of studios and one-bedroom units, Bella Vista is perfect for singles, couples, or families. It provides daily servicing, free WiFi, ample parking, and convenient access to Invercargill’s attractions like Queens Park and Bill Richardson Transport Museum.
Ascot Park Hotel
· Location: 3.1 miles from the city centre
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: This 4-star hotel combines comfort and convenience with deluxe suites, self-contained apartments, and motel units. Guests enjoy an on-site bar, restaurant, 24/7 room service, and proximity to Invercargill Airport. It’s ideal for both business and leisure travellers.
The Lodges at Transport World
· Location: Across from Bill Richardson Transport Museum
· Budget: Premium ($$$)
· Features: Offering boutique luxury in eight well-appointed apartments, The Lodges feature heated floors, gas fireplaces, eco-friendly toiletries, and free parking. Guests can enjoy exclusive packages to nearby attractions like Classic Motorcycle Mecca and Dig This Invercargill.
Balmoral Lodge Motel
· Location: Tay Street, Invercargill
· Budget: Mid-range ($$)
· Features: Spacious and comfortable with 38 superior units rated 4-star plus by Qualmark. Balmoral Lodge Motel offers full kitchen facilities, friendly staff, free WiFi, and proximity to the city centre. It’s perfect for both short and long stays.
Invercargill Sights
As well as some great activities in Invercargill, there are also some pretty amazing things to see, many of which are free. Invercargill is the gateway to the south coast of New Zealand’s South Island, as well as being the city closest to Stewart Island, New Zealand “third” island and a truly stunning place to visit. Our team have pulled together five of their favourite sights to see whilst you’re in Invercargill – we can’t guarantee that you will get to see all of these amazing things on your trip, but hopefully, you can tick some of these amazing sights off your list.
Here are five of the best sights in Invercargill:
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
· Location: Best viewed in the southernmost parts of New Zealand, including areas around Invercargill.
· Features: Witness the breathtaking display of the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, which can be visible on clear nights from March to September. Invercargill's southern location makes it an ideal spot for viewing this natural phenomenon.
Stewart Island
· Location: Located off the coast of Invercargill, accessible by ferry from Bluff.
· Features: Known for its pristine beaches, native forests, and wildlife, Stewart Island offers a tranquil getaway. It's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking adventure, with activities like hiking and birdwatching.
Southern Scenic Route
· Location: Passes through Invercargill and extends to other scenic areas like The Catlins.
· Features: This 610 km route offers stunning coastal views, quaint towns, and natural wonders. Starting from Invercargill, it leads to beautiful spots like Riverton and The Catlins, making it perfect for a scenic drive.
Invercargill Water Tower
· Location: Central Invercargill.
· Features: This historic landmark, built in 1889, showcases Victorian architecture and serves as a backup water supply system. It offers stunning views from its observation deck on Sundays and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens.
Queens Park
· Location: Heart of Invercargill.
· Features: Established in 1856, Queens Park is a vibrant green space featuring botanical gardens, a golf course, sports grounds, and a wildlife reserve. It's perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, with plenty of walking trails and recreational activities.
Renting a Car in Invercargill
If you’re looking to rent a car in Invercargill, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Invercargill looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the South Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Invercargill branch.