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Invercargill Things to Do

Come and discover Southland's largest city, and the most southern city of New Zealand. It might be almost as far south as you can go, but there's still plenty of fun things to do here. Go on a horse trek, explore Oreti Beach - a beautiful white sand beach that stretches on for miles, ride your jet ski on the Oreti River, enjoy a scenic flight, or relax at a restaurant.

Southland Botanic Gardens, New Zealand. Copyright: Hayes Photography

Some of the top things to do in Invercargill include:

1. Invercargill Water Tower

The Invercargill Water Tower is an heritage building and a major landmark in Invercargill. Built in 1889 to pressurize the city's water supply, the water tower is registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

The water tower can be viewed from the outside at all times and is open for inspection on Sundays.

2. He Waka Tuia Art & Museum

For a truly inspiring and educational activity, take a tour of the He Waka Tuia Art & Museum. Browse collections, experience our history and stories and appreciate a variety of cultural endeavours, delivered in innovative and experiemental ways.

For more information see www.southlandmuseum.com

3. Invercargill Botanic Gardens

No trip to Invercargill would be complete without a stroll around the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Follow the meandering paths around beautiful displays of flowers, rock gardens, trees and duck ponds.

4. Splash Palace

Splash Palace provides fun for the whole family. The facility includes a 50 metre by 8 lane sports pool with a bulkhead, a leisure pool with waves and sprays, a tots' pool and a learners' pool. There is also a water slide, spa pool, steam room and a cafe.

For more information see www.icc.govt.nz/SplashPalace.aspx.

5. Stewart Island

Stewart Island, New Zealand. Copyright: Hayes Photography

Stewart Island is a small, barely inhabited island, located off the coast of the Southland region. A short ferry ride brings you to the small village of Oban. Here you will find a restaurant/pub, a shop or two and a couple of options for accommodation.

Stewart Island is an mostly untouched paradise, covered with beautiful forest. Three large and numerous small islands lie around the coast.

Get close to nature and explore Stewart Island on foot, by bicycle or hire a scooter.

6. Bluff

Bluff is a seaport and the southernmost town in Southland. Gateway to beautiful Stewart Island, Bluff is a popular touris attraction.

Bluff oysters are widely farmed here, and are renowned for their succulence and flavour. Considered a delicacy nationwide, Bluff holds an annual oyster festival attracting people from all around New Zealand.

Attractions in Bluff include Stirling Point, Paua House and the Bluff Maritime Museum.

7. Oreti Beach

Oreti Beach in Southland, New Zealand. Copyright: Hayes Photography

Oreti Beach is a large beach located a few kilometres south of Invercargill City. Twenty-six kilometres in length, Oreti Beach lies between the town of Riverton and the outflow of the Aparima River in the northwest, and the estuary of the Oreti River in the southeast.

Oreti Beach is a popular location for picnics, swimming, motorbiking and a wide range of water sports. The location allows for vehicles to drive right out onto the beach, and at low tide you can drive all the way to Riverton.

There are numberous sand dunes along the beach, popular for fun activities such as sliding down them and exploring them.

8. Bill Richardson Transport World

Bill's Shed, Bill Richardson Transport World, Invercargill, New Zealand

Bill Richardson Transport World is the largest private collection of its type in the world. Designed to have something for everyone and, not just for vehicle enthusiasts, Transport World is proving popular with visitors from all walks of life.

Housed in over 15,000sqm of exquisite 'sheds' are over 300 vehicles including retro Kombi’s, Henry Ford Letter Cars, Model T’s, stunning 1930’s V8’s and 200 vintage petrol bowsers. You will also find a growing wearable arts collection, movie theatre, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles.

The scale of the collection is sure to impress so allow plenty of time. If tasting the flavours of the south is more your thing, head to our onsite café The Grille to experience famous Southern delicacies like Stewart Island Salmon, Blue Cod, seasonal Bluff Oysters and Southland lamb. A truly delicious stop popular with locals and visitors alike.

For more information see www.transportworld.nz.

9. Classic Motorcycle Mecca

Guy Martin, Classic Motorcycle Mecca, John Britten, Motorcycle Museum, Invercargill

Widely regarded to be a world class display this new attraction houses over 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork. As New Zealand's premiere motorcycle museum Classic Motorcycle Mecca will not disappoint. Classic Motorcycle Mecca includes solo, sidecar and even three wheeled automobiles and machinery from 1902 upwards.

Over 60 manufacturers are represented (with some really astounding restorations) including a 1902 Peugeot Motorcycle to a 21st Century Simms Corbin Custom. You will find brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian, Matchlesss and Rudge as well as little known brands such as Schwinn and Zundapp.

Other highlights include the largest collection of Brough Superiors in the Southern Hemisphere and three out of four publically displayed John Britten bikes. A brand new inner city café Meccaspresso serves delicious food on a daily basis. Located within Classic Motorcycle Mecca and open on a daily basis.

For more information see www.transportworld.nz.

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