What are the best things to do in Invercargill?
Oreti Beach
The beautiful Oreti Beach is a must-visit if you book Auckland to Invercargill flights and encounter sunny weather. It is just a 10-minute drive from the CBD. Oreti Beach has been referred to as a ‘coastal highway’ as it’s one of the only beaches in New Zealand that you can drive along. If you rent a 4WD, be sure to explore as much of the 26-kilometre beach as you can. If you don’t have a 4WD, there’s still plenty of adventure to be had at Oreti Beach; go swimming, surfing or kayaking, or even take a horse riding tour along the beach.
Transport World
Transport World is a unique museum to visit during your stay in Invercargill. It displays hundreds of vehicles inside a 15,000-square-metre space and is the largest private automotive museum in the world. Admire antique cars and motorbikes in both well-known and rare engineering styles. Once you’ve checked out the cars, explore exhibits showcasing other elements of life from the mid-20th century, such as clothing, kids’ toys, and household appliances.
Catlins Forest Park
Take in some of the Southland region’s naturescapes by planning a trip to Catlins Forest Park. The park is located around 75 kilometres east of the city and embodies the rugged and untouched beauty of the region. There is much to see and do across the Catlins, including beaches, petrified forests, waterfalls, caves, and lighthouses. You’re also likely to spot a variety of animals across the Catlins. You could see seals, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and a plethora of native birds.
What’s on in Invercargill?
Tussock Country Music Festival
Book flights from Auckland to Invercargill between late May and early June to attend the Tussock Country Music Festival. The festival lasts for nine days, showcasing some of NZ’s best country music talent. There are performances from local artists, large-scale performances, open mic nights, and concerts geared toward kids. Grab a bite at the on-site cafe in between sets.
Hop ‘N’ Vine Beer Fest
If you’re a fan of craft beers, there’s no better time for you to make your way to Invercargill than for the Hop ‘N’ Vine Beer Fest. This one-day festival showcases some of New Zealand’s best craft beers, as well as local wines and food stalls. Indulge in food and drink while listening to live music from local performers. Check out the festival by booking cheap flights to Invercargill from Auckland for early October.
Bluff Oyster and Food Festival
The Bluff Oyster and Food Festival is one of the biggest events to take place in Southland each year. The Bluff oyster is the main star of the festival, and visitors can taste these delicacies on the half shell with different sauces and garnishes. Craft beer and wine pairings are also available. Other features of the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival are a variety of other food vendors, live music, and retail market stalls. If you’re wanting to attend the festival plan to travel towards the end of May.
What is the cost of visiting Invercargill?
There are several costs to keep in mind when you book Auckland to Invercargill flights. On average, a hotel room in central Invercargill costs between $150 and $200 NZD per night. Rental cars start from about $50 NZD per day and can be picked up from Invercargill Airport (IVC) once your cheap flights from Auckland to Invercargill arrive.
There’s not much public transport in Invercargill and many attractions are located outside the city. This makes a rental car a good choice when planning a stay in the city. There are a few bus lines that service various areas of the city and surrounding suburbs, however. Bus tickets cost $3 NZD.
Many of the attractions you can discover following your Auckland to Invercargill flights are nature-based and free to visit. Check out Queens Park, the beaches around Southland, or do a self-guided tour of Fiordland National Park or the Catlins without spending extra money. Transport World is popular for visitors holidaying in Invercargill too. Tickets cost $35 NZD. A fun day trip from Invercargill is Stewart Island, which is an hour away by ferry. The ferry costs $89 NZD return. Finally, you could book a guided tour of the Catlins after purchasing flights from Auckland to Invercargill. There are several different tours available, starting from $135 NZD.
