01
Bluff and Stirling Point
The famous signpost at the southern end of State Highway 1.
South Island · Waihōpai
Invercargill
New Zealand's southernmost city offers grand heritage streets, remarkable motoring collections and access to Bluff, the Catlins and the ferry to Stewart Island.
Recommended stay
1–2 nights
Best for
Heritage, wildlife, southern coast
Best time
November–March
Why Invercargill
The end of the road, in the best way
Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, and the sense of arriving at the edge of somewhere is part of the appeal. It is also a genuinely interesting city in its own right.
Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca hold one of the largest private vehicle collections in the world, far better presented than most travellers expect. The broad Victorian streets, Queens Park and the water tower reflect the wealth of the early Southland farming boom.
The city works best as a base. Bluff and Stirling Point are 30 minutes south, the Catlins coastline with its sea lions, waterfalls and Nugget Point lighthouse runs east, and the ferry to Stewart Island — the best place in the country to see wild kiwi — leaves from Bluff.
Top highlights
Must-do Southland experiences
02
Transport World
A world-class collection of restored vehicles and motorcycles.
03
Stewart Island
Rakiura, reached by ferry from Bluff, is the best place to see wild kiwi.
04
The Catlins
Sea lions, waterfalls and the Nugget Point lighthouse along the eastern coast.
05
Oreti Beach
A vast hard-sand beach made famous by Burt Munro's speed runs.
06
Riverton
A historic fishing village and one of the oldest settlements in the country.
Who it suits
Is Invercargill right for your trip?
Wildlife watching
Motoring and heritage interest
Photographers
Off-the-beaten-track travellers
Stewart Island visitors
Road trip completists
Recommended stay
How long should you spend in Invercargill?
| Time | What fits comfortably |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Transport World, Queens Park and Bluff at Stirling Point |
| 2 days | Add Oreti Beach, Riverton or a Catlins day |
| 3 days | Add an overnight trip to Stewart Island |
| 4+ days | A full Southland loop including the Catlins and Rakiura |
Trip ideas
Suggested Invercargill itineraries
Two days in Invercargill
- 1
Day 1
Transport World, Queens Park and the city's heritage streets
- 2
Day 2
Bluff, Stirling Point and Oreti Beach at sunset
Three days in Southland
- 1
Day 1
Invercargill city, museums and motoring collections
- 2
Day 2
Catlins coast: Nugget Point, Curio Bay and the waterfalls
- 3
Day 3
Ferry to Stewart Island for a day of birdlife and coastal walking
Things to do
Top paid and free activities
Popular paid activities
- Bill Richardson Transport World
- Classic Motorcycle Mecca
- Stewart Island ferry and kiwi spotting
- Catlins guided wildlife tour
- Bluff oyster experience
- Scenic flight over Foveaux Strait
Popular free attractions
- Stirling Point signpost
- Queens Park
- Oreti Beach
- Invercargill heritage walk
- Riverton foreshore
- Bluff Hill lookout
Sample costs
Invercargill price guide
These broad NZD ranges are indicative planning figures, not live quotes. Season, availability, room type and group size can change the final cost.
Budget
NZ$50–$100
per person / night
Standard
NZ$100–$250
per person / night
Premium
NZ$250–$500
per person / night
Luxury
NZ$500+
per person / night
Museums are usually NZ$25–$50 per person; the Stewart Island ferry and guided wildlife tours are the main larger costs.
Continue your route
Nearby destinations from Invercargill
These are the onward locations currently connected in our tour builder.
Where to stay
Invercargill accommodation options
Budget
Hostels, backpackers and holiday park cabins
Standard
Motels and 3-star hotels
Premium
4-star hotels and boutique stays
Luxury
Luxury lodges and premium retreats
Invercargill FAQs
Questions travellers ask
Is Invercargill worth visiting?
Yes, if the Catlins, Stewart Island or the motoring collections interest you. It is a practical, welcoming base for the far south.
How many days should I spend in Invercargill?
One to two nights, or three if you are adding Stewart Island.
How do you get to Stewart Island?
By ferry from Bluff, about one hour across Foveaux Strait, or by light aircraft from Invercargill airport.
What is there to do in the Catlins?
Nugget Point lighthouse, Curio Bay's petrified forest and yellow-eyed penguins, Purakaunui Falls and resident sea lions.
Is Invercargill cold?
It is cooler and windier than most of New Zealand, with mild summers rather than hot ones. Layers are sensible year round.
When is the best time to visit?
November to March for the longest days and best wildlife viewing. Bluff oyster season runs from March.
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