Invercargill
If it's your first time in Invercargill, some things might be new to you, like the public transport system and finding your way around the city. This can be exciting, but don't worry if you feel a little homesick. That's natural, especially in the first 12 months of living overseas.
One of the best things you can do to feel at home is to explore and experience your city. Then the things that are new become normal as you create a great life here.
Been in Invercargill for a while? Scroll down and see if you've visited all the places and landmarks listed below!
Quick facts
Population
Invercargill has a population of around 55,000 people(external link that opens in a new tab).
Fun fact
It's New Zealand's southern-most city.
Places to visit
Living in Invercargill
There are many ways to describe life in Invercargill. Here are two important ones:
Nature's playground
You'll have many exciting options for weekend or day trips from Invercargill. Its location means that within 1-3 hours you could be in some of the most photographed areas of the South Island:
- the Catlins(external link that opens in a new tab)
- Stewart Island(external link that opens in a new tab)
- Fiordland(external link that opens in a new tab) (featuring the beautiful Milford Sound – or Piopiotahi in Māori)
And minutes from the city there is:
Invercargill is a place for people that love wildlife, nature and the outdoors. It's a small city with around 55,000 people, so you won't find large shopping malls or entertainment venues. Instead, expect to discover stunning views and landscapes, making memories to last a lifetime.
Easy to find your way around
The city streets follow a grid pattern which makes it easy to find your way around and difficult to get lost! It's also quite flat, which is unusual for a New Zealand city. For example, Wellington and Dunedin are built around hill suburbs.
Because of the landscape, biking is a great alternative to public transport here, especially if you want to save money. Try buying a second-hand bike from a graduating student. Just remember to wear a helmet, as this is a legal requirement in New Zealand.
Can't ride a bike? Or haven't ridden one in a long time? That's ok. Invercargill is home to quiet streets – you won't see rush hour traffic! So it's a great opportunity to try something new or improve your cycling skills in a safe, urban environment.
Tip: Check out our page on transport options in your area for more information on cycling in New Zealand.
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.
Useful Invercargill websites
Here are a few suggestions to help you have a great experience and a safe time in Invercargill.
Studying in Southland (Invercargill)(external link that opens in a new tab): Find information on study, activities and support for students in Invercargill.
Discover Invercargill(external link that opens in a new tab): Find great places to eat, things to do and places to explore.
Invercargill City Council(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out how local government works and important information to help you with daily life in Invercargill. For example information on local parks, museums, libraries, recycling and the location of public toilets and other facilities. You can also follow the local council on Facebook.(external link that opens in a new tab)
Travelling around Invercargill(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn how to get around your new home and its surrounding suburbs on public transport. Find out which bus you need to catch and how to get a 'Bee card(external link that opens in a new tab)' for cheaper travel.
Invercargill Heritage Trail(external link that opens in a new tab): How much can you learn about Invercargill in half a day? These 18 sites and buildings will show off the architectural style unique to Invercargill and entertain you with a few stories along the way.
Invercargill Public Art Gallery(external link that opens in a new tab): Explore Invercargill and the Southland region through art. From indigenous artists to colonial settlers, you'll see a great mix of both past and present come to life through art.
Southland Hospital Emergency Department(external link that opens in a new tab): If there's a medical emergency and you or someone else's life is in danger, go to the local hospital or phone 111 (this emergency number gives you access to police, fire and ambulance services). If it's not urgent, make a doctor's appointment or visit the Invercargill After Hours Doctors(external link that opens in a new tab). 'After hours' means you can use the service outside normal working hours (which are usually 8.30am to 5.30pm in New Zealand).
Civil Defence – Never happens? Happens(external link that opens in a new tab): New Zealand is a pretty safe place, but like anywhere in the world there is a chance a natural disaster could happen. This could be something like a flood, tsunami, earthquake. Civil Defence have information on how to prepare for a natural disaster and you can follow them on Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab) to keep up to date on what's happening.
Trade Me - Rooms in Invercargill(external link that opens in a new tab): If you're not staying in a university hall of residence or a homestay, you might need to find a room to rent. You can try Trade Me to find a place to live. Make sure to check how far your new home is from important places, like your place of study or job (if you're working part time). Renting a room in Invercargill is great if you're on a budget too, as it's much cheaper than other cities like Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland!
Bluff Oyster Festival(external link that opens in a new tab): Tickets for this popular festival sell out quickly, so if you're a seafood fan buy yours early! Bluff is a 25 minute journey by bus or car from Invercargill. Take your camera as you're likely to see interesting things like oyster opening and food eating competitions. There's even a special poem performed at the welcome ceremony called 'Ode to the oyster'. Never tried an oyster? This is your chance!
Visit the Catlins(external link that opens in a new tab): Take a 40 minute drive from Invercargill and experience some of the best scenery in the South Island. Walk along bays, through caves and past waterfalls. See wildlife in their natural habitat, including yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins and Hector's dolphins. Count how many different types of animal you can see!
Explore Fiordland(external link that opens in a new tab): Spend semester break or a weekend exploring Fiordland. It's about 2.5-3 hours from Invercargill by bus or car, but you'll be rewarded with some amazing driving scenery. Filmmakers from around the world have chosen Fiordland as a location for filming. It features in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies, as well as X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and Jurassic Park: Lost World (1997).