Top Experiences for Visitors
See Waipapa Point Lighthouse
Waipapa Point Lighthouse sits to the southeast of Invercargill in the scenic Catlins forest park. The lighthouse was built in the 1880s as a response to one of New Zealand’s worst maritime disasters. Today, Waipapa Point Lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks for visitors to Invercargill. In addition to visiting the lighthouse, you can take a walk along the beautiful stretch of beach nearby and see a series of unique native trees. Waipapa Point is also a great spot for wildlife viewing – you may spot some seals or a walrus.
Have fun at Demolition World
Demolition World is a unique local attraction, and it’s especially fun if you’ll be travelling from Dunedin to Invercargill with kids. It’s an entire little village made from repurposed materials and pieces of demolished buildings. Visitors can wander through city streets, past a historic school, a haunted theatre, and an old-fashioned sweet shop. Demolition World is also home to a group of chickens and alpacas for visitors to interact with.
Visit Invercargill Public Art Gallery
The Invercargill Public Art Gallery is the perfect place to take in some culture during your visit to Southland. The museum showcases an impressive collection of artwork, with a focus on artists from the Southland region. Pieces range from classic European-style artwork and traditional Maori art through to artwork from contemporary New Zealanders. The permanent collection is made up of more than 1,000 pieces, and the art gallery also showcases artwork through a series of rotating exhibits and special events.
The Cost of Visiting Invercargill
Once you’ve booked your Dunedin to Invercargill flights, you can continue planning your holiday with Webjet’s selection of hotel rooms and rental cars. On average, hotel rooms around Invercargill cost around $125 to $150 NZD per night. Rental cars can be picked up from Invercargill Airport and start at rates of about $120 NZD per day.
Public transport is an option if you won’t be renting a car. Fares cost $3 NZD if you’re paying cash or $2 NZD with a Bee card – you can even use the same Bee card that you use in Dunedin!
Many of the top attractions around Invercargill and Southland are free or very cheap to visit. You can spend time on the beaches, in the national parks, and enjoy coastal walks without spending any money. The Invercargill Public Art Gallery is free to visit (although donations are recommended), and entrance to Demolition World is based on a gold coin donation.
Public Transport and How to Get Around From the Airport
Invercargill has a compact city centre that’s easy to explore on foot. You’ll find several of the main tourist attractions within walking distance of the CBD, including the Otepuni Gardens and the Classic Motorcycle Mecca.
There’s also a limited bus network that you can use to get around Invercargill. It operates across six routes that travel around the city and into the inner suburbs. Buses are typically spaced about 30 minutes apart and operate from Monday to Saturday.
As public transport is limited, hiring a car is the best way to get around while holidaying on flights from Dunedin to Invercargill. Webjet has a wide selection of cars available for hire, and you can schedule yours to pick up from Invercargill Airport.
FAQ
What airlines offer flights from Dunedin to Invercargill?
It isn’t currently possible to catch direct flights from Dunedin to Invercargill. However, you can make your way between the cities on Air New Zealand. These flights include a stopover, which is typically in Christchurch.
What is the best way to get from Invercargill Airport to the CBD?
The airport doesn’t have any public transport options, but it’s only a five minute drive from the CBD. You can catch a cheap taxi directly to your hotel or hire a car for your holiday and pick it up from Invercargill Airport.
When is the best time of year to travel from Dunedin to Invercargill?
If you’re hoping to spend a lot of time outside, you can’t go wrong with a summer holiday to Invercargill. Summer temperatures reach highs of about 19°C, which will allow you to comfortably spend time at the Southland beaches and national parks.
How much does it cost to travel from Dunedin to Invercargill?
Webjet’s Dunedin to Invercargill flight deals start from rates of about $125 to $150 NZD each way.