Come and visit our two star attractions - unique to Invercargill and the Southland Museum - The World's Fastest Indian and the world's largest display of the pre-historic Tuatara, including Henry, who is over 110 years old. Southland museum is the closest museum to the Antarctic so a visit has to include the unique Roaring 40s gallery. This is just a snippet of what you'll find at the Southland Museum; one of Southland's main visitor attractions - you'll discover more on Maori, the moa, the goldrush, whaling, right through to tourism today. Cafe open all day serving lunches and delicious snacks.
Educational resource kits are available for groups on request.
We also have an astronomical observatory that is open to the public on Wednesday evenings between 7pm and 10pm.
Shop, information centre and toilets are all on-site. Find us at the entrance to Queens Park gardens. Admission FREE.
Specialists in fun outdoor education and recreation to schools in the Deep South. Organised activities include high ropes course, abseiling, giant swing, rock climbing, kayaking, caving, tube rafting, bivvy making and more. We are able to cater for all schools from primary to tertiary levels providing complete camp and activity management, including equipment, accommodation and menus.
We offer activities from 2 hours to several days, and run specialised education courses, such as ‘Getting to know rivers’. All instructors are qualified and professional. Please contact us to discuss your school or group’s activity session or programme.
Invercargill’s First Class 5 screen cinema complex. The cinemas feature huge screens, first release movies and value packed candy bar deals!
Spit the Dummy Each Wednesday morning Reading Cinemas presents 'SPIT THE DUMMY' Sessions. Relax and enjoy a movie at Reading Cinemas without worrying about feeding in the dark or those unexpected hissyfits. We'll keep the lights dimmed so that you can see what you're doing. Free entry for children under 5.
*Conditions Apply. Spit The Dummy does not run during school holidays.
Splash Palace in Invercargill is one of the premier aquatic facilities in New Zealand. With a unique southern coastal theme the centre is a fun place to visit. There are few communities in the world that can boast an indoor aquatic centre of this size, within walking distance of the CBD, close to a large selection of motels and parks.
The facility includes a 50m x 8 lane sports pool with a bulkhead, a leisure pool with waves and sprays, a tots’ pool and a learners’ pool. There is also a water slide, spa pool, steam room and a café, all indoors with convenient off street car parking.
The Splash Palace Swim School is available for babies to adults, of all levels.
Stewart Island is perfect for a day excursion or an extended stay. Experience Foveaux Strait in comfort and style on board our express catamarans. During the one-hour crossing between Bluff and Stewart Island keep a look out for wildlife, including seals, dolphins and sea birds. Our friendly staff provide informative commentaries and point out highlights. Pick ups available from Invercargill, 20 mins drive from the departure point at Bluff. Complimentary tea/coffee. Toilets on board.
Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses. Gain an entertaining insight into the community, history and environment of Stewart Island. Our guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge and there is plenty of time available for photo stops and short walks. Tours depart from the Oban Visitor Centre.
One of NZ’s most exhilarating jet boat experiences, jet boat across Lake Hauroko to challenge the most exhilarating journey in New Zealand, the Wairaurahiri river, 27 kilometres of grade 3, rock strewn white water rapids. When the Wild South Coast is reached, you can trek in to see the mighty Percyburn viaduct or just relax and enjoy the abundance of wildlife. A short walk over the Wairaurahiri swingbridge into Waitutu virgin forest is a must. We can supply you packed lunch on request ($15).
This is a long day and the jet boating is very exciting. The trip would not be suitable for very young children. Transport to and from Otautau to start of the jet boat trip can be provided. Otautau is about 30 mins drive from Invercargill.
Explore some of the world’s southern most coastline on horseback. Climb up above Bluff and admire the panoramic views of Bluff Harbour, Invercargill and the Foveaux Strait. Our rides are suited to all levels and instruction can be given during the ride to improve your skills. Enjoy a cuppa with your host after the ride, in a typical Southland farmhouse. Helmets and jackets can be provided. Operates 10 mins north of Bluff.
