Dunedin & Invercargill

Dunedin is home to some of the world’s rarest wildlife due to the rugged, exposed coastline on the Otago Peninsula. From little blue penguins to yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and sea lions. By joining one of the many experienced guides either on land or by sea, you are guaranteed a great experience with our human and wildlife locals. You can also visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross and watch Dunedin’s famous Royals from the exclusive “Royal Box”

Whether you’re visiting New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, experiencing how the other half lived at Olveston Historic home, or simply wandering around the many Edwardian & Victoria architecturally designed building still standing in their true or updated form, you’ll feel a sense of stepping back in time when in our well-preserved piece of Southern history.

After a day of sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Dunedin is to get cosy in one of the city's many micro craft breweries or pubs and enjoy a local beer. To go one step further, indulge in a tour and tasting at Emerson's craft brewery or the historic Speights Brewery.

Dunedin's compact city layout and flat runs make it a great place for cycle touring, while the surrounding countryside offers five mountain bike trail networks. Signal Hill, just 40 minutes ride from the city center, has the best downhill track in the country. Like a long, flat, ride? The Otago Peninsula cycleway from the city to Portobello provides a dedicated, safe, cycle path around the stunning Otago Harbour. You can stop along the way for a coffee or lunch at various cafes including Glenfalloch Gardens. Keen to go across the harbour take the cycle ferry from Portobello to Port Chalmers.

Dunedin also has excellent shopping, incredible night skies viewing, a variety of family fun activities, delicious cuisine from all around the world, dog-friendly beaches and walking tracks, and a strong community of arts and cultural events. All packaged up in our warm hospitality and southern charm. What more could you ask for during your Dunedin urban injection on your Southern Road trip.

One of the best things to do in Invercargill is Aurora Australis – an iconic light phenomenon, also known as the Southern Lights. Like Dunedin, Invercargill has perfectly clear skies with little to no light pollution. This means it's the perfect spot to see the effect of solar winds hitting the Earth's magnetic field. The best time of year to see this spectacular light show takes place between April – September.

Bill RIchardson's Transport World is one of the most highly rated attractions on offer in Invercargill and is a must-see for anyone interested in automobiles. A perfect family activity, a visit here will show you vintage car models and a great LEGO room that the kids will love.

On a knob near Invercargill, Bluff is commonly considered the mainland's southernmost point. It's well worth a detour, not only for the obligatory photograph at Stirling point and the walkway to Lookout Point but also for salty air, incredible oysters, and taking in the old-world industrial vibe.

Invercargill is home to an incredible collection of beaches. Oreti beach is a magnificent spot. The long stretch of beach is characterised by its hard-packed sand. Perfect for just about any beach activity you can think of, this beach is a must-see spot – especially if you're travelling to the region in warmer weather. Try your hand at swimming, surfing, windsurfing, walking, kayaking, beach cricket, and even sand castling. Be sure not to miss a spectacular sunset here too.

One of the most breathtaking spots in the Invercargill region can be found at the Waipapa Point Lighthouse. Standing on the coast since 1884, the lighthouse has a rich history and is one of the last wooden lighthouses to be built in New Zealand. The Waipapa Point Lighthouse sits above a beach known for a spot where sealions gather regularly.