Teetering on the southern tip of South Island, Invercargill is a renowned gateway to the South’s wilderness. With Stewart Island lying beyond, this city is the perfect haven for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy verdant flora and fauna, and admire the thriving birdlife in the region. Stop waiting, rent a car and go explore Invercargill!
Invercargill was founded in the 1850s and retains most of its Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco heritage buildings that add to the city’s already brimming old-world charm. Well-equipped with a wonderful variety of vibrant bars with live music, along with many restaurants and bistros, Invercargill is every tourist’s gourmet paradise. From sheep’s milk to southern beers, Invercargill covers almost any desire a foodie could have. Local cafes and eateries use only the finest and freshest ingredients to fulfill all your gastronomical fantasies. Best of all, these bistros are mostly located in Invercargill city centre, so travel by rental car should be a piece of cake. There are also countless mom-and-pop shops mushrooming up throughout the city, so enjoy traversing Invercargill in your rental car and finding surprise goodies!
Tourists can also take a guided tour through Invercargill Brewery and discover the true art of brewing, and of course, participate in a tasting session. Cheese tasting is also popular, and for that, head over to Blue River Dairy, famed for the best cheeseroll in the whole of Southland. Trust us when we say it’s the very best. Truly a food lover’s paradise, make your last foodie stop the Seriously Good Chocolate Company. We’d wax poetic over the fine art of cocoa concoction but the name speaks for itself. Nevertheless, you can experience the entire chocolate making process there along with sampling the decadent delights they magic up. These destinations are all located relatively close to Invercargill Airport so journey by rental car should be short.
Get the true Invercargill experience by biking through the city. “Wheel-mania” has taken the city by storm, and tourists can partake in it by renting bicycles and pedaling their way through the twisty streets and leaf-lined suburbs. A city remarkably obsessed with all things on wheels, consider visiting the world famous vintage truck collection at Bill Richardson Transport World. Located only 9 minutes away from Invercargill Airport by rental car, transport should not be an issue. Tourists can also pay a visit to E Hayes Motorworks to learn more about the deep-set history with motorcycles. It’s only about half an hour away from Invercargill Airport by rental car.
The city is also a popular starting destination for a road trip from Invercargill to Christchurch. Ranging from two to four days, this road trip is bound to be an exciting experience. Drivers are recommended to drive along the Southern Scenic route through the Caitlins. Aptly named, the scenery is pristine and flawless and definitely a sight for sore eyes. There is also a nice coastal route from Invercargill to Christchurch via Seacliff, albeit short. Other places worth stopping over along the ride from Invercargill to Christchurch include the Moeraki Boulders, which are a natural and geological wonder. With adorable cafes and rest stops available all along the way, the road trip from Invercargill to Christchurch promises to be at the least, ultra relaxing.
Invercargill is a city of beautiful sights and wonders. With great food, great entertainment and vibrant energy, we’re sure that a trip here will definitely be worth your while.