Fun things to do in Invercargill and Bluff

There’s plenty to do and see in and around Invercargill and Bluff during the holidays. Why not …

  • Visit the Animal Reserve at Queens Park
  • Climb the Water Tower: it's open on Sundays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm)
  • Go geocaching around Invercargill (visit www.geocaching.com)
  • Visit Stirling Point and check out the Chain Link Sculpture and famous Bluff Signpost
  • Go for a bike ride on one of our many cycleways
  • Take a stroll around the Pleasure Bay Lagoon at the Invercargill Estuary Walkway
  • Go for a swim at Splash Palace
  • Join the summer reading programme at the Invercargill Public Library
  • Feed the ducks at Donovan Park
  • Make sandcastles at the beach
  • Climb Bluff Hill
  • Look for your family name under the giant umbrella in Don Street
  • Have a picnic in one of the city’s picturesque parks and reserves
  • Visit the Bluff Maritime Museum
  • Explore the city’s Heritage Trail
  • Check out Invercargill’s historic churches
  • Rent a video, book, or game from the Library
  • Go for a ride on the freebie bus service
  • Join the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade
  • Check out the Sandy Point mountain bike track
  • Take a break and watch a game at one of the city’s sports fields
  • Take a ride on the waterslide at Splash Palace
  • Visit Henry the Tuatara at Southland Museum and Art Gallery
  • Get involved in a local Scouts or Guides club
  • Observe the unique birdlife in the Queens Park Aviary
  • Check out the Splash Palace holiday programme
  • Climb the sand dunes
  • Visit Stead Street Wharf and see the replica fishing cutter
  • Rent a toy from the Toy Library
  • Feed the ducks at Queens Park
  • Expand your mind, take a course at SIT or a Night Class
  • Walk your dog along the Waihopai Walkway
  • Try aquajogging at Splash Palace
  • Hire some golf clubs from one of the clubs in Invercargill and have a round
  • Tackle the fitness track at Queens Park
  • Fly a kite at Oreti Beach
  • Book the kids in for the Summer Swim School at either the Bluff pool or Splash Palace
  • Plant a vegetable garden
  • Study the southern sky at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery observatory
  • Check out the children’s holiday programme at the Library
  • Visit the Japanese Gardens at Queens Park
  • Visit Te Rau Aroha Marae in Bluff, or Murihiku Marae in Invercargill
  • Pick up a free short walks brochure from the Council and step out for a leisurely walk
  • Check out the motor sport at Teretonga and Riverside Raceway
  • Try fishing off Bluff Wharf - or the rivers around Invercargill
  • Tackle the skate park on Elles Road
  • Adopt a neighbourhood park and help to keep it tidy
  • Check out the popular playground and water park at Queens Park
  • Form a neighbourhood support group and build a safer street
  • Try out the BMX track at Elizabeth Park
  • Stop and smell the roses in the beautiful gardens at Queens Park
  • Hire the BBQ and Tea rooms at Andersons Park Art Gallery and have a family fun day
  • Rediscover Queens Park’s Wonderland Castle
  • Take a picnic lunch and explore Sandy Point
  • Research your family’s history. A good place to start is the Council website's cemetery search page
  • Ride the Flying Fox at Russell Square
  • Explore Otatara’s unique native bush
  • Take in a show at the Civic Theatre
  • Discover a gem at one of the city op shops - or help to support your community by donating items to the shops. 
  • Make the new people in your street feel welcome
  • Join one of the many welcoming sports clubs in Invercargill