General Information
Invercargill is New Zealand’s southernmost city, and the commercial heart of Southland. Invercargill is known as the ‘the friendly city of the South’ and is the ideal base for your Southland holiday. Flat and easy to get around, Invercargill offers all the trappings of city life with few of the drawbacks associated with a city. The Port of Bluff is located on a natural harbour overlooked by Bluff Hill, and was used to import stock from Australia .
Invercargill Airport is a mere 5 minute drive from the city centre.
Geography
In the heart of the Southland Plains lies the city of Invercargill. Sitting on the Oreti river some 18 kms north of the Bluff, it is the southernmost town in the South Island . It is bordered by large areas of conservation land and marine reserves, including the Fiordland National Park which covers the south-west corner of the South Island .
Invercargill has a pleasant, moderate climate with defined seasonal variations. Due to its coastal position, Invercargill escapes extreme variations in temperature.
Attractions
Nestled amongst inspiring parks, gardens, forests and the ocean, Invercargill is a place to relax. Indulge in the many leisure activities and explore the Walks and Wildlife all made possible by the long daylight hours during summer.
The variety and number of Heritage buildings in the city centre add to Invercargill’s character. Above all do not forget to visit Bluff to taste the delectable oyster.
Shopping
The inner city upgrade has transformed the city centre into a modern, attractive and vibrant heart of the city.
History
The idea to name a city called Invercargill was a European concept. ‘Inver’ coming from the Scots word ‘ inbhir’ meaning a rivers mouth and ‘ Cargill’ is in honour of Captain William Cargill, who was at the time the Superintendent of Otago..
Maori Translations
Murihiku (Bluff) meaning ‘end of the tail’ so named because it is the southern end of the South Island .