Invercargill

Invercargill Regional Information

Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and an ideal base or stop-off point for travel to nearby Stewart Island, the Catlins, Fiordland and Lake Manapouri. The city's name comes from the Gaelic word 'inbhir' meaning the mouth of a river, which became 'inver', and the Superintendent of Otago, Captain William Cargill.

The city's historic atmosphere is created by the attractive Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gardens and landscaped parks. Like Dunedin, the Scottish were the first European group to settle in the area which is now Invercargill. Queens Park covers an area of 80 hectares and features an impressive rose garden, as well as areas planted with rhododendrons and azaleas. Take time to wander through the park's tree-lined paths and bush walkways, and view the Japanese garden and the wide range of native plants on display. There is also an aviary and an indoor winter garden, featuring tropical plants and cacti.

Within the grounds of Queens Park is the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, where visitors are treated to a viewing of New Zealand's largest collection of live tuatara. This native lizard is endangered and has an average lifespan of sixty years, although it has been known to live for over 100 years. In addition, there are the more conventional museum displays telling the tales of early Maori and European settlers. Exhibits include displays of Maori tools, artifacts and a waka or canoe. The work of local Maori artists is also featured.

Invercargill itself has undergone a transformation in recent years, becoming a vibrant city and a centre for tertiary study. This is largely due to the innovative 'fees-free' scheme at the Southern Institute of Technology, designed to encourage further study by offering qualifications at no cost to the student.

From the city, one of the most visited areas is the Catlins Coast, a wilderness haven featuring waterfalls, coastal bays and estuaries. One of the highlights is Curio Bay, a petrified Kauri forest dating back to the Jurassic era, between 135 and 190 million years ago. There are numerous walking tracks in the area, traversing through lush native bush and dense forest. There is something to suit all fitness levels, allowing all visitors to access areas with diverse birdlife and to catch a glimpse of seals, sea lions, Hectors Dolphins and Yellow Eyed Penguins on coastal walks.

Navigate with our great Invercargill map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Invercargill weather.

For further information on Invercargill and surrounding areas, visit Tourism Southland.