3 minute read
Invercargill Must-Do's
Savour the South
With some of the world’s best fare produced within the region, Invercargill serves up an eclectic mix of succulent seafood including world-famous Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, mussels, paua and blue cod to name a few. Dine with the locals at Louie’s in Dee Street.
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Bill Richardson Transport World
Reputedly the largest private collection of its type in the world and haven for petrol heads. Discover more than 300 vehicles, a wearable arts’ collection, children’s play zones and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as the vehicles.
Dig This Invercargill © Dig This Invercartill
Classic Motorcycle Mecca
A motorcycle enthusiast’s dream day out. Discover the country’s largest display of classic motorcycles with over 300 motorbikes hailing as far back as 1902.
Splash Palace
All indoors and an easy option for a full day of family fun, the leisure pool has a wave machine and the three new water slides will keep kids happy for hours on end.
The Heritage Trail
A half-day tour featuring public artworks, sculptures and major landmarks. Although best undertaken by car, it features plenty of stops that can be explored on foot.
Estuary Walkway
Weave your way around Pleasure Bay Lagoon via a 4.7km looped boardwalk elevated slightly off the water. By foot or bicycle pedal, it’s flat, easy and a vision at sunset.
Burt Munro’s Bike
In 1967 Burt Munro smashed the overland speed world record by motorcycle at 305.89 km per hour. He was 68 years of age. You can see the very bike he rode at E Hayes & Sons, a hardware store and motoring museum.
Burt Munro Challenge
Burt Munro Challenge 2019 – Troopers War Memorial © James Jubb / Great South
Experience the largest motorcycle rally in the southern hemisphere, held every year in February. To pay homage to Burt Munro, competitors partake in various races while scores of spectators observe from the sidelines.
Ōreti Beach
10km west of the city centre this is where Burt Munro (among others) raced his motorbike. You can still drive on the beach but keep to 30km/h and 4WD is advised. Horse riding is another option here.
Queens Park
Located in the heart of the city and a Garden of National Significance, this whopping 80ha park features animal enclosures, a bird aviary, castle, an 18-hole golf course and more.
Sir Anderson’s Grand Homestead
In Invercargill’s Anderson Park, Sir Robert Anderson’s grand homestead remains a focal point. Featuring manicured grounds, sheltered picnic areas and rose gardens, it’s a lovely spot to roll out your picnic rug.
Southland Cheese Rolls
Synonymous with Southland, try this southern creation at the Grille Café. Located within Transport World, you can tick off two must-do’s at once.
Seriously Good Chocolate Company
The southern-most chocolate company in the world, tour the factory and discover an inventive array of sweet treats such as beer infused chocolate and ‘chocolate bombs’.
Winton
Thirty minutes north of Invercargill, Winton oozes rural charm. The heritage buildings are both quaint and striking, the streets are sleepy, and the community spirit is felt everywhere.
Lumsden
Route 6 Café, Lumsden © Southland Tourism
An hour from Invercargill and known for its railway history, the Around the Mountains cycle trail passes through here. Heritage buildings line the main street and you take a dip in the river or walk its grassy banks.
Switzers Waikaia Museum
A major drawcard for the tiny town of Waikaia, this museum has historic exhibitions about gold, Chinese miners and the town’s military history. Thirty minutes from Lumsden.
