WELCOME
TO INVERCARGILL NEW ZEALAND
The City of Invercargill invites you to experience the
warmth, friendliness and hospitality that makes Invercargill
such a great place.
Invercargill
is favourably placed on the Southern Scenic Route and
is the gateway to some of New Zealand's most beautiful
scenery and destinations including the Southland heartland,
Stewart Island, Fiordland and the Catlins.
With
a combination of cultural attractions, a rejuvenated
city life and outstanding nature reserves and parks,
visitors to Invercargill often say how much there is
to see and do in Invercargill.
From
excellent shopping to lively cafes, restaurants and
bars, Invercargill has all the benefits of city life
with few of the drawbacks. The inner city upgrade has
transformed the city centre into a modern, attractive
and vibrant heart of the city. The variety and number
of heritage buildings in the city centre add to Invercargill’s
character.
Explore
the city and its many fine museums, art galleries and
parks or take a short trip to one of the bush reserves,
beaches or gardens on Invercargill's outskirts.
Whether
you are looking for fun and entertainment or a relaxing
holiday taking in the pleasures of our friendly city,
you can do it all in Invercargill.
TRANSPORT
Invercargill is flat and easy to get around regardless
of your choice of transport.
A
public bus service operates six days a week covering
the inner city and outlying suburbs. The bus timetable
is available from the Invercargill Passenger Transport,
phone
+64 3 218 7108. Freebie
Bus travels within the inner city free of charge on
weekdays.
Invercargill
has two taxi companies which provide an excellent service:
Blue Star Taxis, ph +64 3 218 6079
City Cabs, ph +64 3 214 444
If
arriving at the airport, please call either of these
businesses to arrange your transport. Shuttles and rental
vehicles are also available.
The
flatness and close proximity of facilities make walking
and cycling an attractive option in Invercargill. While
Invercargill offers all you would expect from a modern
city, you can be assured of avoiding the traffic jams
and delays now commonly experienced in other metropolitan
areas.
Invercargill
is a mere 10 minute drive to Oreti Beach, less than
30 minutes to the port town of Bluff – home of
the delectable Bluff Oyster; - and from the fishing
town of Riverton. The Catlins, Fiordland, Queenstown
and other desirable locations are readily accessible
from Invercargill Stewart Island can be reached by a
short flight or ferry ride.
BLUFF
"Where the Highway Begins"
Bluff
is unique – in its geography, history, industry and
attractions.It’s certainly worth spending a night
in the town and experiencing it for yourself.
The easy walking tracks provide spectacular views over
Stewart Island and Foveaux Strait, and pass through lush
forest with tall native trees, like rimu, rata and kamahi.
From the lookout on the summit of Bluff Hill Motupohue
a panorama of Southland’s mountains, plains, estuaries
and islands is revealed. The famous Stirling Point signpost
signals the beginning of the Highway throughout New Zealand.
If
you visit Bluff during the oyster season take the time
to try the world famous Bluff oyster a much sought after
delicacy. The Bluff Oyster is celebrated annually at
the Bluff Oyster & Southland Seafood Festival, which
is held annually on Foreshore Road in Bluff. A wide
variety of food and wine stalls plus an all day entertainment
package combine to make the Festival a great day out.
Visit www.bluffoysterfest.co.nz for more details.
The
town itself is well serviced with a variety of accommodation,
restaurants, dairies, service stations and an information
centre. Bluff is only twenty seven kilometres south
of Invercargill, from which a regular bus service operates.
WALKS
AND WILDLIFE
Stretch your legs and wonder at the harmony of nature
on one of Invercargill’s manageable bush trails.
Walk through totara forest at Sandy Point Domain, just
7km west of the city. Experience the native bird-life
and climb the sand dunes. Look-out points on the many
tracks give fantastic views of the New River Estuary,
which borders the domain. Take time to reflect our history.
This peninsula was home to early Maori and used by whalers.
For
a more tangible view of history, take the track at Greenpoint
Domain, 2km north of Bluff. It is a ships graveyard.
This piece of coast was a past dumping ground for vessels
at the end of their lives. Skeletons of steel whalers
and beached fishing boats litter the shore.
Breathe
deeply and taste the sea air of Bluff. Foveaux Walkway
is a walk along rugged coastline below ‘Motupohue’
(The Bluff). A circular track just over 7km in length
starts out on the Foveaux Walkway. It continues on from
Lookout Point, over Bluff Hill and back to Stirling
Point.
For
a short 20-30 minute excursion try the Glory Track,
one way between Stirling Point and Gunpit Road.
A
variety of short bush walks are available at some smaller
reserves close to Invercargill.
North
meets south at Awarua Wetlands. The wetlands are a stronghold
for migratory birds from the Northern Himsphere, water
fowl and native birds such as fernbirds and bittern.
Many species of wading birds can also be observed at
Awarua Bay. Altogether, Awarua Wetlands Scientific Reserve
and the adjoining Seaward Moss and Toetoes conservation
areas cover 14,000 hectares. This is the largest protected
wetlands in southern New Zealand.
Check
out the Department of Conservation website for more
information on tracks around Invercargill and Southland:
www.doc.govt.nz
PARKS
AND GARDENS
Invercargill abounds with superb parks and gardens. For
a city so small, they are a treasure that local folk are
truly proud of. Take time to explore nature at is most
noble and preservation at its proudest..... Queens
Park
Invercargill’s
Queens Park, is the grandest of all the city's parks.
Encompassing more than 80 hectares, it offers the visitor
the most diverse range of facilities and attractions.
The Park boasts two beautiful and varied rose gardens,
a rhododendron dell, an azalea garden, dramatic tree
lined walkways, bush paths, a selection of native plants,
a Japanese garden, rock and herb gardens. There is an
indoor Winter Garden featuring tropical and flowering
plants. Queens Park also has an impressive bird aviary,
animal enclosures, children’s play areas, extensive
sporting facilities and a cafe. Also prominent on the
ground is the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
Anderson
Park
Anderson
Park surrounds the Anderson Park Art Gallery and covers
24 hectares of flower and rose gardens, immaculate lawn,
tall trees and native bush. There is also a traditional
carved Maori house, a short bush walk circuit, duck
pond and childrens playground. The Andersons' elegant
home, now houses the Anderson Park Art Gallery Society's
splendid collection of quality New Zealand art.
Otepuni Gardens
Popular
shaded pathways, winding along the banks of the Otepuni
Stream make a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle
of the city's commercial centre. The spacious 9.4 hectares,
encompassing four city blocks, are an important central
landmark, and joggers and cyclists take advantage of
the sense of seclusion the gardens offer.
Southland
Festival of Gardens
During
late October and early November, Southland’s Festival
of the Gardens gives opportunity for visitors to view
magnificent properties not always open to the public.
The festival continues in February, allowing summer
blooms to feature at their best.
With over 25 gardens on display around Southland, there
is a vast selection to choose from to meet even the
most discerning of tastes. |
