Invercargill: Parks, city history and motoring culture

Invercargill can be explored from different perspectives: Queens Park makes a strong impression with its gardens, while the Heritage Trail and vehicle collections tell other stories about the city. The wider Invercargill City destination also includes coastal walks and other nature experiences. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish between activities in Invercargill itself and these regional destinations.

Queens Park: greenery, gardens and city history

Queens Park is in the centre of Invercargill and covers 81 hectares. The park has been awarded Five Star Garden of National Significance status. In the wider Invercargill City destination, Queens Park also offers walks through lush greenery and several special gardens. The stately, tree-lined Coronation Avenue runs through the middle of the park, connecting its different areas along a central axis.

There is also a practical service for visitors: at Queens Park, visitors can borrow a wheelchair free of charge and without a deposit for up to two hours. Check availability before your visit.

Memorials and the Heritage Trail

The Band Rotunda in Queens Park commemorates musicians from Invercargill who were killed in the First World War. The Town Hall and Civic Theatre tells another part of the city's history: for most of the 20th century, it was the centre of Invercargill's city administration and is of historical significance. The building is privately owned and not open to the public.

The Invercargill Heritage Trail is a half-day, self-guided tour of 18 sites. It traces Invercargill's development from a bush settlement to a major commercial centre, placing the city's history in a broader timeframe. For specific planning, consult the current brochure, as details may be updated.

Vehicle history and special experiences

Bill Richardson Transport World houses more than 300 vehicles and at least 200 petrol pumps. According to the operator, the collection continues to grow, so these numbers may change. E Hayes Motorworks Collection displays Burt Munro's 1920 Indian Scout, “The Munro Special”. Individual exhibits may be moved or temporarily unavailable. Classic Motorcycle Mecca is an exhibition of historic motor vehicles in Invercargill.

In the wider Invercargill City destination, Classic Motorcycle Mecca is housed in two historic buildings in the Invercargill CBD and has more than 300 motorcycles. A description of Seriously Good Chocolate Classes dated 15 October 2024 mentions hands-on chocolate-making workshops in Invercargill for groups of ten or more. Check with the provider for current dates and availability.

Coastal walks and nature in the wider Invercargill City destination

Along the coast at Motupōhue (Bluff), the Foveaux Walkway is an easy, well-formed track. From there, views extend across Foveaux Strait to Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuku Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura. The Glory Track offers a different kind of walk: this bush track passes a Second World War gun emplacement and observation bunker, and also offers views across Foveaux Strait to Rakiura and Dog Island Lighthouse. On Bluff Hill, Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park has more than ten kilometres of mountain biking and walking trails.

Omaui Reserve offers another distinct perspective on nature and history in the wider Invercargill City destination. A 1.5-kilometre loop track there winds through regenerating coastal bush to an elevated viewing platform. Omaui was first a Māori settlement and later a European whaling station, pilot station and health camp. The town of Bluff is known for its Bluff oysters.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Invercargill, it helps to distinguish between city activities and regional destinations. Queens Park, the Heritage Trail and vehicle collections offer different reasons to explore Invercargill itself. Coastal walks, Bluff Hill and Omaui broaden the picture of the wider Invercargill City destination. Consider what you want your stay to focus on; you can use that to guide your accommodation search without assuming that a particular attraction indicates where a property is located.

View the wider travel guide: Invercargill City.