Quick Facts
Invercargill for Families — Overview
Invercargill is often dismissed as a transit stop for Stewart Island or Fiordland, but the city has genuinely excellent family attractions. Tuatāra Tuatara Sanctuary Te Ara Parata (the world's largest tuatara display) at the Southland Museum is remarkable. The Burt Munro Indian motorcycle collection is a NZ legend. And Bluff oysters (in season) are a serious reason to visit in their own right.
Top Things to Do in Invercargill with Kids
- ✓ Tuatāra Tuatara Sanctuary (Southland Museum) — world's largest captive tuatara display. Free.
- ✓ E. Hayes & Sons Hardware Store — Burt Munro's actual 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle plus extraordinary collection. Free.
- ✓ Bill Richardson Transport World — NZ's largest private vehicle collection. $25/adult.
- ✓ Queens Park — large city park with playground, rose gardens, aviary, and mini golf. Free.
- ✓ Bluff Oyster and Food Festival (May) — the world's best flat oysters, celebrated with a food festival in nearby Bluff
- ✓ Stewart Island ferry from Bluff (30 min south) — day trip or overnight to one of NZ's most special islands
Rainy Day Options — Invercargill
Where to Stay in Invercargill with Kids
Good range of motels and holiday parks. Very affordable compared to Queenstown and Dunedin.
Find Invercargill Accommodation on Booking.com →Invercargill Family Budget Guide
Excellent value city. Most attractions free. Transport World $25/adult. Great family destination on a budget.
Use the NZ Family Travel Budget Calculator to plan your full trip spend.
Invercargill Family FAQ
What are tuatara and why see them in Invercargill?
Tuatara are ancient NZ reptiles — living fossils that have barely changed in 250 million years. They're found nowhere else in the world. Invercargill's Tuatara Sanctuary has the world's largest captive display, with tuatara of various ages including hatchlings. Entry is free. It's one of the best places in NZ to see and learn about these remarkable animals up close.
Nearby Destinations to Combine with Invercargill
Dunedin
Yellow-eyed penguins, albatross, sea lions, and NZ's most dramatic urban wildlife experience
$200-380/day · Ages 5+Fiordland & Milford Sound
The most dramatic scenery in New Zealand — Milford Sound will stop your kids mid-sentence
$280–500/day · Ages 5+All NZ Cities →
Family guides for 33 NZ cities and towns.
All NZ City Family Guides →
Family guides for 33 NZ cities and towns — from Whangarei to Invercargill.