17 Of The Best Things To Do In Invercargill

If Invercargill were a celebrity, it would be Billy Connolly…. windswept, interesting, and always ready with a warm greeting or a joke or two. It gets a bad rap, but once you start exploring this southern extreme of New Zealand, you soon realise just how much there is to love. 

Flanked by a gorgeous and largely untouched coastline, verdant rolling pastures, and the mountains of Southern Fiordland off in the distance; it’s a place for the curious and intrepid. So, leave your preconceived notions at home and check out some of the best things to do below.

Chow Down On Gourmet Delicacies

Chocolate, oysters, Fiordland venison, blue cod, boutique gin, craft beer, cheese rolls. Potentially a list of aphrodisiacs, and definitely a summary of the best local tastes to savour in Invers.  You’ll find these luxury items on the menu almost everywhere.

The Southern Farmers Market on Sunday mornings is a prime spot for sampling everything from regional produce, meats and seafood to ready-to-eat treats and artisan goods. Swing past for a hit of foodie fever.

Natural Selection

The whole Southland region is basically a walker's paradise and there are some gorgeous short walks not far from the city that are amazing in their own right. The estuary walk practically glows at sunset as the light hits the water, and you’ll spy various species of local birdlife going about their business.

From here, it’s a short drive towards the famed Oreti Beach with its cinematic views of Stewart Island and kudos points for local motorsport history. Nearby Sandy Point has a network of tracks for a decent jaunt in the coastal bush with a few easy hills thrown to bring the 360-degree views and Bluff is similarly well-appointed with scenic and sometimes, steep strolls.

Queen’s Park

Right in the heart of the city is Queen’s Park, a green oasis of towering trees and botanical wonders of all sorts, spread across 12 sprawling acres with manicured pathways for promenading along if you’re into the whole Bridgerton vibe.

A golf course and fitness trail are hidden among the extensive grounds if you feel the need to don your activewear.

Sip The Southern Way

The newest pièce de resistance on the local social scene is 360 at the top of the Langlands Hotel, which rivals rooftop bars everywhere with its contemporary design, views over the city and impressive cocktail list featuring signature takes on old classics.

Downstairs just off the hotel laneway, you’ll find a cosy nook for late-night schmoozing at Niche; adorably small but sophisticated.

Cruise On Two Wheels

Home to the legendary Tour of Southland, this is a cycle-mad territory with plenty of country roads to work up a sweat and show off your matching Lycra.

But if you’re more into seeing the sights at a leisurely pace on a two-wheeled steed, then hire a bike to cruise around points of interest or tackle the Sandy Point mountain bike park.

Retro Revving 

Check out the emporium of motorised wonders that is the Bill Richardson Transport World with its massive halls full of shiny vehicles of all kinds, plus a side-shot of other attractions including a movie theatre playing the classic Good-Bye Pork Pie among other gems, and even a wearable art display. 

The Sweetest Thing

Channel your inner Willy Wonka and immerse yourself in chocolate nirvana with a tour or chocolate-making class at the Seriously Good Chocolate Company, where an astounding variety of flavours are churned out by hand on the daily.

More Motor-Mania

Go full immersion and head to Motorcycle Mecca for two-wheeled memorabilia and while you’re at it, swing past E Hayes Motorworks Collection for a glimpse of the legendary ‘World’s Fastest Indian’ bike.

Throw in annual events such as the Burt Munro Challenge, the George Begg Festival and the nearby Edendale Crank Up and you begin to understand why the local roads are so wide.  

Soak Up The Serenity

Sink into blissful oblivion under the stars after a hot stone massage at the Fern And Feather Retreat in Otatara, a day spa with the genius addition of two outdoor baths tucked amidst native bush and twinkly fairy lights. You can even BYO bubbly and snacks for an extra indulgent soak.

Deconstruction Zone

With a zombie apocalypse rating of 11 out of 10, Demolition World is a surefire hit if you prefer to explore more random and slightly bizarre attractions.

The ultimate upcycling project, the secret town is assembled entirely from demolished buildings and should be on any self-respecting explorer's bucket list.

Scoff The Food Of The Gods

This region is more-or-less ground zero for oysters, which are plucked fresh from the ocean off Bluff and served everywhere from the chippy through to the more up-market eateries.

It’s practically a rite of passage to try them every which way they come, including as a martini flavour. Oyster Cove, Hayz at the Anchorage and Meld are good picks to get your oyster action in.

Hot Diggity

For something with a bit more unexpected adrenalin, you can head to Dig This and get behind the controls of a full-sized digger to test your coordination skills.

It’s a lot harder and way more fun than you’d expect, plus if you ever have an existential crisis and want to change careers, there’s a solid labour market in Earthmoving.

Treasure Hunting

Time moves to the beat of its own drum down south, and so it stands to reason that this is also one of the best places to snaffle signature vintage and antique scores.

Hubbers Emporium and Miss Vintage Lighting in Invercargill or Little Bird Boutique in Riverton are all packed to the rafters with all sorts of curios and furnishings from times gone by.

Romancing The Stones

If you’ve got an eye for shiny colourful trinkets, Gemstone Beach just past Riverton is something of a natural treasure chest. Go at low tide to pick out the shimmering stones along the waterline and take in the gorgeous south coast views at the same time but watch for rogue waves.

Enjoy The Craft Brews 

The national craft beer obsession has solid representation in Invercargill, with Gadoochi Brewery in-house at the Tuatara Café and 4 Mates Brewery at the Taproom Eatery and Craft Bar both serving up their own freshly brewed varieties. 

Get Sober-Licious

Believe it or not, Invercargill was ahead of the growing trend in distilled booze-free drinks venues. Stop by Altered, a groovy industrial-chic shop and bar, to stock up on teetotal choices from across the world and sample delicious ‘cocktail’ concoctions.

Make Like Ninja Warriors

Wrangle your crew for a day of high rope hijinks, rock climbing, flying foxes, ultimate archery and giant swings at the Adventure Southland base.

Test your friendships with the array of confidence course-style activities that are terrifying and exhilarating in equal measures.

All that exploring got you hungry? Here are the best cafes in Invercargill.

Image credit: Great South, @elta_ego cocktails for Altered.