Location: Invercargill
Top Things to do in Invercargill
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Invercargill, South Island
Invercargill (Māori: Waihōpai) is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of the Southland region. It lies in the heart of the wide expanse of the Southland Plains on the Oreti or New River some 18 km north of Bluff, which is the southernmost town in the South Island. It sits amid rich farmland that is bordered by large areas of conservation land and marine reserves, including Fiordland National Park covering the south-west corner of the South Island and the Catlins coastal region.
Restaurants in Invercargill
1. Rakiura Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
We have 7 beautiful horses - 6 are Clydsedale x thoroughbred and one is a purebred Morgan, all of whom we totally adore and have wonderful personalities. All of our treks are in small groups, so you get more attention and help also with riding for the less confident. Nervous riders and young children (10+) can have their horse led on a lead rope by one of our experienced guides. The rides vary to suit ability. There is a one hour ride to suit beginners. This is along the rivers edge and through some bush tracks. Lots of fun. The two hour ride is suitable also for beginners to the experienced. The beginners don't go as far but is a super ride along the rivers edge also, through winding bush and forest tracks. If the riders can trot we also go over the sand dunes to the beach. Experienced riders can have a canter on the beach. If you bring your camera along we stop at various nice spots and take photos for you to remind you of your day We supply helmets, gloves and wet weather gear. We do have a weight limit -- to protect the horses backs -- of 100 kg We are situated ten minutes drive from invercargill CBD. Many overseas travellers have come along - their general comment - "its blows them away - so much "space" and freedom! We operate all year around, but we are weather dependent. If you love the outdoors, some good company and a great ride come for a trek, Times are limited - depending on availability - 1-5 people per ride. "A True Southern Experience"
Reviewed By Cuthereccil - Tauranga, New Zealand
I just loved spending two hours with Sue and her beautiful horses. We went through the forest and onto a wild beach , we decided on a more leisurely pace. I loved every minute ,it is an experience I will never forget.
2. Dig This Invercargill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 388 reviews
Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? Want to unleash your inner child? For a memorable experience, Dig This Invercargill is not to be missed. Learn to operate diggers, bulldozers and skid steers at New Zealand’s only heavy equipment playground. Fully instructed with a range of experiences to choose from, our friendly and approachable Dig This team is on hand to help navigate your way through a series of challenges like tyre stacking, earth moving and digger basketball. Suitable for young and young-at-heart, individuals and groups, you will be grinning from ear to ear. Tick it off your bucket list today!
Reviewed By TFrizz - Invercargill, New Zealand
Had my 6 year olds birthday party at Dig This. Just amazing, We had 20 kids on site and they were well entertained throughout. The party room was great, and Lex the junior digger instructor showed the patience of a saint getting all 20 kids through a great experience. We had a hidden treasure hunt in the sand pit and all the kids loved seeing the big diggers in action too, Just great fun, and a perfect venue for kids party's
3. Seaward Bush Reserve
4. Toetoes Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
When we arrived at the tiny settlement of Fortrose, the tide is out leaving the estuary low and ideal for the wading birds. We see plenty of Pied Oyster Catchers and Royal Spoonbills. On the way out as we are looking for the “ship wreck” we followed the road up and around behind the golf club, here there is a dirt carpark of such allowing us to park and explore the almost vertical cliffs, what sensational views of the rock formations and Toetoe Bay below. The cliffs are high, rugged and vertigo inducing. We see a Spotted Shag (Blue Shag) colony which was a bonus. The views down the coast each way were breath taking and we could also see Stuart Island from here. If you are looking for the ship wreck the tides have moved the sand on the sand bar and currently very little at all is visible.
5. Queens Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By dimike62 - Invercargill, New Zealand
Had a friend and her children here from Singapore ,she went to school in Invercargill had not been to Queens Park in a long time we all enjoyed our time there started with morning tea in the Cheeky llama, the play area, then the animals, then the the bird aviary, ducks we ended up having the whole morning there .
6. Lignite Pit Cafe and Secret Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
7. Oreti Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Retired-math-teacher
The sand is so well packed and solid, you really can take a two wheel drive onto this beach and drive for miles. Just make sure tide is out and will stay out for a while. Drive the speed limit or less and just have fun. Try some 360 degrees tight turns. Take a picnic lunch. See horses being exercised trotting behind owners' trucks. Maybe splash in the ocean if it's warm. Dig mussels. Lots to do here.
