Congratulations – your Southern Scenic Route itinerary has brought you this far! You have arrived here in Invercargill, and we are delighted to welcome you to The Lodges at Transport World: the city’s only Gold Qualmark-rated accommodation offering.
We love showing our city to visitors. Here, there are plenty of hidden gems to keep you entertained. Keep reading to find out what delights await your Southern Scenic Route itinerary as you take in our hometown.
No Southern Scenic Route itinerary is complete without a visit to Invercargill’s leading attractions.
With something for everyone, both the Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca museum collections encourage visitors to take a walk down memory lane. Delight in nostalgia sparked by gleaming vintage vehicles, rare artworks, and captivating details throughout every inch of your experience.
Better yet? A Turbo Pass gives you discounted entry to both museum collections. Buy your tickets here today.
You can’t beat Invercargill on a good day. The beautiful Anderson Park is the perfect place to while away a sunny day on the outskirts of our city. Pick up some charcuterie, bundle up a rug to sit on, and enjoy a tranquil picnic lunch.
Located on the northern outskirts of Invercargill, the elegant Anderson Park is testament not just to the architectural jewels of yesteryear but the generous spirit of one of the city’s early prominent businessmen, Sir Robert Anderson. While currently closed to visitors as repairs are undertaken, the grand homestead remains a focal point of this space. The Georgian beauty is complemented by well-manicured gardens and mature trees.
Once a rather neglected block, the Anderson family’s passion for horticulture soon saw extensive flower gardens developed. The magnificent homestead was constructed in 1925, designed by Christchurch-based architect Cecil Wood. The homestead, which cost £10,000 at the time, features a slate-clad roof (materials having been shipped from Bangor, Wales) while two fireplaces were carved from Oamaru stone. A third has green marble from the West Coast built into its surround. The house was registered as a historic place Category 1 with the Historic Places Trust.
Following his and his wife’s death, the house and its surrounding property – including the block of native bush that had drawn him to it in the first place – was bequeathed by Anderson to the city of Invercargill and its inhabitants.
The grounds and sheltered picnic areas, rose gardens, playground, and easy walking track through the bush continue to draw locals and visitors alike. The setting is wheelchair accessible.
Southland’s together space is a collaboration between the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
Boasting a small, but perfectly-formed, display of changing exhibitions, an engaging programme of events, and touring art, He Waka Tuia Art + Museum is a delightful cultural experience in the heart of the city.
Doors are open between 10am – 5pm throughout the week, and from 10am – 4pm on weekends.
We hope some extra space awaits in your vehicle as you tick destinations off your Southern Scenic Route itinerary.
Miss Vintage Lighting is a delightful, locally-owned boutique shopping experience for the discerning buyer. Specialising in Art Deco, retro, industrial and one-of-a-kind designer lighting (from shades to lamps and everything in between), this little store on one of the city’s main drags is certainly worth a look. With items sourced from throughout New Zealand and across the globe, Miss Vintage Lighting is bound to be home to treasures that would be ideal in yours.
With an innovative menu – steak is their speciality, but you’ll find delicious fare for all appetites here – and an old-school, glamorous corner bar (perfect for intimate cocktails), Invercargill restaurant Buster Crabb is an elegant evening dining experience to add to your Southern Scenic Route itinerary. The subtle, smoky décor makes for a stylish setting to imbibe. Take your pick from handcrafted cocktails, an excellent wine list (our pick for a sunny Southland day? A bottle of Terra Sancta pinot noir rose, hailing from nearby Central Otago) and – “for those who prefer grain to grapes” – an extensive range of globally-flavoured beers.
Posted in: Attractions, Cafes in Invercargill, Garden Tours, Great things to do in Invercargill, Shopping in Invercargill, Short Walks, What's On
Tags: art and culture, art gallery, Invercargill restaurants, Invercargill shopping, museums, Southern Scenic Route, things to do in Invercargill, visitor attractions
Reservations: 03 217 3703
23 Anglem Street, Invercargill
[email protected]