Tips for First-Time Travellers to Invercargill
Visit in the cooler months for a chance to see the Southern Lights
Did you know there’s a chance to see the Southern Lights (or aurora australis) at the very southern end of New Zealand? If you’d like to see this cool phenomenon, have a look at Palmerston North to Invercargill flights between April and September when you’ll have the best chance of spotting them. A few of the area’s top viewing spots are Curio Bay, Bluff Hill, and Oreti Beach.
Explore the region on the Southern Scenic Route
New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route stretches for 610 kilometres from Dunedin to Queenstown, with Invercargill sitting right in the middle. The route is teeming with beautiful landmarks, a rich Maori history, and fun activities like hiking and water sports. Hop into a rental car for a day and drive a portion of the route from Invercargill. Head in the direction of Dunedin to visit spots like Curio Bay and Cathedral Caves. Or venture in the direction of Queenstown to see Rarakau Beach and Clifden Caves.
Take a day trip to Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is one of the most exciting day trips to consider when you’re travelling from Palmerston North to Invercargill for the first time. It’s easily accessible from the city too – Tuatapere, which is the southern gateway into the park, is just over an hour from Invercargill by car. Several scenic hikes wind their way through the park offering up views of dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and the gorgeous fiords that gave the national park its name. Top attractions to have on your radar include the Hump Ridge Track, Wairaurahiri River, and Lake Hauroko. If you want to head a bit further into Fiordland National Park, you can also take a scenic boat ride to Doubtful Sound.
Public Transport and How to Get Around from the Airport
While Invercargill’s CBD is walkable, many of the region’s top attractions are located outside of the city. Having access to a car will give you much more freedom to explore compared to relying on public transport or guided tours. You can hire a car with Webjet after booking your Palmerston North to Invercargill flights and pick it up from the airport once you arrive.
Hiring a car is the best option when you’ll be visiting Invercargill – however, if you won’t have access to a car, there’s a limited public bus network you can use to reach certain attractions. There are six bus routes that travel around the city and inner suburbs. Note that buses don’t operate on Sundays.
The Best Time to Visit Invercargill
Summer is the most popular time of year to travel from Palmerston North to Invercargill, and for good reason – the weather is its most pleasant, so you can take full advantage of Southland’s beautiful nature. Daytime temperatures reach about 18° to 19°C, and there are plenty of sunny days. Make the most of summer by visiting the beaches and national parks around Invercargill. You can continue enjoying nice weather into early autumn and late spring.
The months between late autumn and early spring get cold, but this is the low season in Southland, which means you have a good chance of getting cheaper hotel rates. The days reach average highs of about 11°C, so you can still enjoy some brisk walks. This is also a nice time to enjoy all the indoor activities that Invercargill has to offer like the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and Bill Richardson’s Transport World. Another benefit to visiting in the colder months – your chances of spotting the Southern Lights are their highest between April and September. Bring plenty of warm clothes if you’re considering a winter trip from Palmerston North to Invercargill – temperatures can dip to about 1°C with some snow.
FAQ
What airlines offer flights from Palmerston North to Invercargill?
While there are no direct flights available, you can fly from Palmerston North to Invercargill on Air New Zealand with a stopover on the way.
What is the best way to get from Invercargill Airport to the CBD?
There’s no public transport available from Invercargill Airport, so the best way to reach the city is by car. If you are hiring a car for your holiday, you can pick it up from the airport when you arrive. Otherwise, taxis are available outside Arrivals and will get you into the city centre in about five minutes.
How much does it cost to travel from Palmerston North to Invercargill?
Flights from Palmerston North to Invercargill start around $150 NZD each way with Webjet.
