About Invercargill City & the Southland Region
"Southland is one of New Zealand's most liveable regions. Affordable, safe, and surrounded by some of the world's most iconic natural landscapes. As an international student, you'll find a genuine community here, not just a place to study."
Study in Invercargill and experience the best of Southland, with an affordable lifestyle, a welcoming community and incredible places to explore beyond the classroom. From beaches and coastal towns to Fiordland and Rakiura / Stewart Island, studying in Invercargill puts some of New Zealand’s remarkable southern landscapes within reach.
Iconic Destinations
Fiordland
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park — one of the world's most dramatic landscapes.
Stewart Island
Rakiura National Park — remote, rugged, and a haven for native wildlife.
The Catlins
A stunning coastal region with waterfalls, wildlife, and native forest.
Invercargill & Southland
The region's heart, with a vibrant community and access to all the outdoor activities you could want.
Southland at a Glance
Make Invercargill your base and discover more of Southland. New Zealand’s southernmost city offers a relaxed, easy-to-navigate lifestyle, with the wider region on your doorstep. From coastal towns and beaches to national parks and island adventures, there’s plenty to experience beyond your studies.
Explore Southland from Invercargill
| Place | From Invercargill | Facts | Things to experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invercargill / Waihōpai | You're here | Southland's main city and a gateway to the wider region. | Queens Park, Ōreti Beach, city heritage and local attractions. |
| Bluff / Motupōhue | Approx. 25 min drive | Southland's port town, about 30 km south of Invercargill. [realnz.com] | Visit Stirling Point and discover Bluff's famous seafood and oysters. |
| Gore / Maruawai | Approx. 50 min drive | A Southland town on the Mataura River, an area known for brown trout fishing. [southlandnz.com] | Explore local arts, rural Southland and the story of Hokonui Moonshine. [southlandnz.com] |
| Riverton / Aparima | Approx. 35 min drive | A coastal town in Western Southland. | Beaches, coastal scenery, fishing and access to Western Southland. |
| Te Anau | Approx. 120 min drive | Gateway to Fiordland and its dramatic landscapes. A direct Invercargill to Te Anau route is about 155 km and just under two hours. [myqueensto...ndiary.com] | Explore Fiordland, walking trails and spectacular alpine and lake scenery. |
| The Catlins | Approx. 90+ min drive | A wider coastal area rather than a single destination, with travel time depending on where you visit. | Discover waterfalls, native forest, Curio Bay, wildlife and rugged coastline. |
| Rakiura / Stewart Island | 25 min drive to Bluff + ferry | Island destination reached from Bluff rather than by road from Invercargill. | Wildlife, island scenery and walking, including the Rakiura Track. |
| Ōreti Beach | Approx. 10 min drive | An expansive beach close to Invercargill. | Walk along the beach and experience Southland's coastline close to the city. |
Invercargill City Facilities
- Indoor stadium and cycling velodrome for sports and events.
- Olympic-size swimming pool.
- Queens Park and many parks and sports grounds throughout the city.
- Civic Theatre, Museum and Art Gallery for culture and entertainment.
- Shops, cafes, and restaurants covering everything students need day to day.
Activities & Culture
Burt Munro Challenge
International motorcycle event celebrating Invercargill's most famous son.
Bluff Oyster Festival
A celebrated annual seafood event drawing visitors from across NZ and beyond.
Shakespeare in the park
Outdoor theatre performances in a relaxed, community setting
Southland Festival of the arts
Music, theatre, and more—a broad celebration of the arts.
Tour of Southland
International cycling event touring the regions iconic roads.
Southland Buskers Festival
Street performances and entertainment across the city.
International Food Festival
A celebration of global cuisine and culture.
Surf 2 City Race
A 12km run, bike, or walk from Oreti Beach into the city centre
Follow SIT