How to get to Invercargill

Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, captivating guests with its Scottish charm and majestic Victorian-era architecture. If you are looking for information on how to get to Invercargill, regular flights from the country's major hubs are at your service, as well as scenic car and bus routes through the Southland region. The decision to travel to Invercargill will open the gates to wild nature and unique landscapes, making the journey itself part of an unforgettable adventure.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own Invercargill Airport (IVC), which is a key transport hub for all of Southland. Direct flights arrive here daily from the main cities of New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Travel time depends on your departure point: for example, a flight from Christchurch will take just over an hour. The airport is located only 3 kilometres from the centre, so the transfer to your hotel will not take much time. Upon descent, passengers are often treated to breathtaking panoramas of lush green plains and the coastline, setting the mood for the entire journey.

It is important to note that it is impossible to reach Invercargill by train. Currently, there is no regular passenger rail service in the southern part of the South Island, and existing tracks are used exclusively for freight transport.

Since trains do not run to this region, the optimal option for overland travel would be an intercity bus or a rental car. Traveling along the highways of New Zealand is an excellent alternative, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery on the way to the city.

Bus services connect Invercargill with key tourist centres on the South Island, turning the transfer into a scenic excursion. One of the most popular routes is the trip from Queenstown: covering 190 kilometres takes about three hours and offers passengers views of majestic mountain ranges. It is also comfortable to travel from Dunedin, from where the road, stretching just over 200 kilometres through green plains, will take approximately three and a half hours.

For travellers heading from the east coast, a service from Timaru is available. This is a longer trip, taking about 5–6 hours (360 km), but it allows you to see the smooth change of landscapes from the ocean coast to the heart of the Southland region. Modern intercity buses are equipped with everything necessary for rest, so time on the roads of New Zealand flies by unnoticed.

Travelling by car to this region becomes a true aesthetic pleasure thanks to high-quality highways and changing landscapes. The drive from Queenstown will take about two and a half hours: you will have to cover 187 kilometres, admiring views of Lake Wakatipu and mountain ranges. The route from Dunedin is no less popular — a 205-kilometre drive through the pastoral landscapes of Southland will take approximately three hours.

For those making their way from Timaru, the journey will be longer: a distance of 365 kilometres can be covered in five hours, following the main state highway. Although renting a car remains the most convenient option, it is possible to book a taxi or a private transfer, the cost of which for such long distances usually starts from several hundred dollars. Self-driving gives you the freedom of choice and allows you to make stops at picturesque places on the way to the country's southernmost city.

Preparing for a trip to Invercargill requires attention to detail, as this southern city in New Zealand has its own unique character and changeable climate. To ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations for you.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The weather here can change several times a day, and winds from Antarctica can be piercing. The best principle is layering: bring thermal underwear, a warm sweater, and definitely a high-quality windproof jacket with a hood, even if you are travelling in summer.
2. Transport: Public transport in the city is not as widely developed as in metropolises and runs on a schedule that may not suit tourists. For freedom of movement around the Southland region, renting a car is the ideal option, while the compact city centre is pleasant to explore on foot.
3. Finances: The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, from hotels to small coffee shops, but keeping a small amount of cash for payments at farmers' markets or souvenir shops will be useful.
4. Health and Safety: Invercargill is a calm and safe city; the emergency number for rescue services is 111. It is important to remember the aggressive sun: due to the thin ozone layer, the UV index here is very high, so sunscreen is necessary even in cloudy weather.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is English. Locals are known for their friendliness and specific "southern" pronunciation with a rolling "r" (Southland burr), but this does not hinder mutual understanding.
6. Local Etiquette: The atmosphere in the city is relaxed and informal; it is customary to greet bus drivers and shop assistants. Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory and remains at your discretion, but staff will be grateful for excellent service.
7. What to Avoid: Do not count on late shopping — most shops and offices close as early as 17:00–18:00. Plan purchases and important matters for the first half of the day, especially on weekends.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to try the local gastronomic hit — "Cheese Rolls", jokingly referred to as "Southland Sushi". This simple but incredibly popular hot dish can be found in almost every café in the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and focus on the main thing — exploring the rugged beauty and hospitality of the country's southernmost city. May your journey be easy, safe, and filled with bright discoveries.