Paying Homage to Invercargill

What’s Invercargill Famous For?

We want to pay homage to Invercargill so here are a few interesting facts you may not know:

• First and foremost, it’s Scotty’s hometown, yes, he is your quintessential “Southern Man”, and yes, he does drink Speights (I had to put this top of the list of course).
• It is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zeland (Bluff, 18km is the southernmost town)
• It is one of the southernmost cities in the world (that means that it is one of the closest cities to Antarctica!!!)
• Many streets, especially in the centre, are named after rivers in Great Britain, mainly Scotland
• There was a local prohibition of alcohol sales voted in during 1905 and lasted 40 years until the returning WW2 soldiers voted it out
• Don’t add wine or beer to your grocery shopping list as you can’t buy it supermarkets.  The city operates under the Invercargill Licencing Trust.  ILT provides over 500 donations and grants and has been influential in the development of a stadium, velodrome and much more
• Invercargill is the hometown of the famous motorcycle racer Burt Munro, who set a new world speed record at Bonneville in 1967.  His record still stands
• Invercargill’s colourful mayor (formerly from Waitemata City) was elected in 1993 and is the longest-serving mayor for Invercargill (21 consecutive years as of 2020)
• The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has a “Zero Fees” scheme (not sure for how much longer!).  This allows students to study while only paying for material costs, not tuition fees

What Else is on Offer in Invercargill

Now that I’ve got that out of the way, just what has the city of Invercargill got to offer.  It is fair to say that Invercargill has had some flack over the years.  The average traveller contemplates whether the extra kilometres to detour to Invercargill is worth it.  It’s usually the first to get crossed off the list if they are short on time.

Lockdown Location

It was announced that the country was to go into lockdown.  Holding huge ramifications to those of us who live fulltime on the road,  it was a ‘no-brainer’ that we gap it to Invercargill.  We could safely park up in the family’s driveway, hence we became Driveway Dwellers.

Although we’d been here many times (and Scotty was raised here) we thought that we would embrace the situation of being grounded and take the opportunity to hunt out as many places as we could.  This was breaking the monotony of driveway dwelling and reacquainting ourselves with Invercargill.

As restrictions eased, we could travel a little further from our home base and stretch our wings to incorporate more locations within the city.

The following is an overview of where we visited, the parks and tracks we walked and cycled with a brief description.  I hope that anyone reading this will be inspired to add all or at least some to their list when visiting Invercargill.

So in no particular order, here we go:

Queens Park

I would go so far as to say that this is one of my favourite parks.  It was in close proximity to our home base which meant that we could wander the trails in the park and keep a safe distance from other users.  During the darkest days of Level Four, it was more than a breath of fresh air for us.  It was certainly good for the soul to get out amongst the tall trees, rose gardens and empty playgrounds.

It is the pride of Invercargill right in the heart of the city and was included in the original city plans back in 1856.  Its 80 hectares includes themed gardens, fitness track, bird aviary, farmyard area and animal enclosures.  There is also a very popular 18-hole golf course and sports areas.

Invercargill Water Tower

There is no other iconic structure in Invercargill than the very impressive Victorian-style Water Tower.

Ratepayers were against ugly water tanks being built within the city’s greenbelt area, so the council decided that they would disguise a 300,000-litre steel tank with an elaborate brick tower.

The first brick was laid in 1888.  Twelve months and 300,000 bricks later, the 42m hight landmark was complete.  It was originally built to pressurize the water supply but now plays a ‘back up’ role for when there are any supply disruptions.

Although the tower has undergone some extensive restoration over the years with regards to bricks and mortar, the inside remains closed to the public for safety reasons.

Against a backdrop of a deep blue sky, it makes for an impressive structure as it seems to stretch endlessly skywards.

Invercargill Estuary Walkway

Scotty has vivid memories of the legendary trip with dad to the dump (nowadays it’s called a ‘Landfill’).  That smell stays with you forever.

Now, thanks to a restoration project since 1994, this same landfill has been developed into what is now known as the Invercargill Estuary Walk.

The 4.7km loop cycle/walking track has a few joining points but there is car parking at the Stead Street Wharf and Bond Street.  You can either walk the entire loop or a shorter option will take you to an elevated viewpoint.  From there you will enjoy the views over the estuary and lagoon.

This area was not only known to be the site of the dump but it’s an area rich in ecology and history.  The history is actually quite fascinating and there are Information Boards outlining the activity in the area and photos of how it used to look.  Once a busy port hosting loads of boats and Pleasure Lagoon was popular for swimming and picnics.  Hard to imagine today.

This track was within walking distance to our ‘lockdown location’ so provided us with regular sanity.  The early mornings were best, especially when the tide was in.  Quietness and the sea air was good for the soul.

During normal times, it is a popular spot and many runners, bikers, walkers with their dogs and parents with pushchairs.

A few things to note:

• this trail joins onto a track that will eventually be able to take you all the way to Bluff.  It’s still under construction but will be fabulous to cycle all the way to the end of the road
• if you are a member of the NZMCA, their new park which is still to be opened, backs right onto this track
• at the Stead St Wharf, you can cross over the road and join the Waihopai Walkway (see below)

It a credit to all those involved who got this project off the ground.  Walking, cycling, running the track around the Lagoon, across the Roger Sutton Boardwalk, history boards and bird watching opportunities – what’s not to enjoy.

Bill Richardson Transport World

It seems that everyone has heard of Bill Richardson Transport World.  Of course, this was not open during lockdown so we didn’t get to visit during this stay.  Scott has visited in the past and spent several hours here. However, it is a ‘must-see’ when visiting the city.  There are literally hundreds of motor vehicles (actually around 250), vintage petrol browsers, wearable arts collection, movie theatre and themed bathrooms.  So there is something for everyone.

These exhibits are housed in over 15,000sqm of shedding so you will need to allow plenty of time to wander around.  Click on the link here to their website to find out opening hours and pricing.  NB there is a discount if you purchase a pass for Motorcycle Mecca and Transport World.

Come and be amazed by a restoration journey that has taken fifty years to establish.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca

The perfect ‘follow-on’ attraction from Transport World is Classic Motorcycle Mecca.  They have the largest display of classic motorcycles in the country.  When I say ‘classic’, models range from 1902-2007 so it is a motorcycle fanatic’s version of heaven.

This impressive collection’s original home was actually in Nelson and the entire collection was sold to Transport World in 2016.

Not only is there over 300 exhibits to drawl over, but there is an equally appetising cafe attached so when I say there is something for everyone, this certainly includes the cafe in the mix.  Meccaspresso has great coffee and reasonably priced food.  I can recommend their cheese rolls (which they call Sushi of the South)!

Check out their website here for up to date opening times and prices.

Otepuni Walkway 

Now just when I thought Queens Park was old and rather historic, it wasn’t the first park planned for the city.  That titleholder would be the Otepuni Gardens, alongside the Otepuni Creek (or known as “The Puni” by the locals).

These historic gardens are a piece of Invercargill’s history but not widely appreciated.  Although it is the oldest park, it is largely forgotten about nowadays.  But, 150 years ago it was a very different story.  Rowboats came up from the estuary carrying passengers and goods right into the heart of the growing township.

 The land either side of the creek became too congested so the planners turned their attention to developing Queens Park.

The walkway takes you through the Otepuni Park and gardens and continues along the creek.

The walk is 3.8km and takes around 30 minutes to complete.

Oreti Beach

Just a short drive from the city centre, you will find yourself at Oreti Beach.  We finally managed to get coastal when we dropped to Level 3 and had more freedom to travel just that bit further.

Oh my, how good for the soul was this!  After weeks of being deprived of any Aqua Therapy, we parked up on the firm sand and set off on foot along the shoreline.  I can tell you there, were quite a few deep breaths, to fill my lungs with that salty air.

The beach is 26km in length.  It provided Burt Munro with a perfect testing and racing site for his Indian motorcycle.  The movie The World’s Fastest Indian was filmed on location here which gave it such a realistic setting.

It is Invercargill’s coastal playground and many locals make good use of it.  There are plenty of opportunities for motorbiking, 4-wheel driving, wind-powered vehicles, horse riding, dog walking, picnicking, swimming and surfing.  Something for everyone.

Sandy Point Domain 

Sandy Point Domain is one of the most popular recreational areas in Invercargill and is only 10km from the city centre.  It is a ‘one-stop-shop’ when it comes to being the home of all sorts of clubs.

Would you believe that this is home to 31 different clubs so gives you an idea of its popularity?

It also has a spectacular network of walking trails.  There are approximately 13.5km of trails to choose from, all of which are well signposted.

Rover/Petrie’s Track

Our choice of tracks for our visit today was Rover/Petrie’s Track.  We arrived at the car park and headed off on Rover Track which is 3.2km (55min) long.  It wasn’t long before we arrived at the lookout with views up the New River Estuary.  From here the track hugs the coastline until you arrive at Daffodil Bay.  This is the start of another trail you can take to a lookout (approx 60 min).  We decided to leave this one for another day.  

We diverted off Rover Track and joined Petrie’s Track which forms the loop trail back to our starting point at the car park.  The Petrie’s Track is 1.2km (20min) and is an open trail alongside pine tree plantations.

Daffodil Bay

Another fine weather day dawned so we were back out to Sandy Point Domain to walk the Daffodil Bay Loop Track to the lookout.

Setting off from Daffodil Bay car park, the track winds its way alongside the estuary and through wind sculptured totara/matai forests.  After wandering for around 35 minutes, we took the short detour to Noki Kaik Beach.

Remanents of the old pier pillars still poking up from the silted up sand made for fabulous photos.  It must have been a hive of activity back when whaling and sealing were still busy trades.

Another 10 minutes along the trail and we climbed the steps up to Hatch’s Hill Lookout.

Here we enjoyed panoramic views of the New River Estuary, Bluff and all the way out to a very hazy Stewart Island.  We could hear the roar of the breakers, crashing on Oreti Beach, not that far away.

Continuing on, we finished the loop via the inland trail which led us back to the carpark.  The sign reads to allow 90 minutes but we completed it in 1.10hr, and that is allowing for lots of photo stops and photos.

E Hayes & Sons

I have never experienced a hardware store quite like it before.  That could be why hundreds of visitors from all around the world make the pilgrimage to E Hayes and Sons store.  This is to see a remarkable collection of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles alongside the more modern versions.  Throw into the mix engines, machinery, pumps, engines and lathes.  The jewel in the crown, however, would be the remarkable motorcycle which is the legend of Burt Munro.  His original 1920 Indian Scout forms the centrepiece of this amazing collection.

If all of this isn’t enough, what makes it even more special is that the collection is intermingled with products typical of your ‘run-of-the-mill’ hardware shop.  You will find your power tools, lawnmowers, camping equipment, homeware and kitchen appliances dotted in between the extensive and incredible exhibits. 

Anderson Park/Donovan Park

Donovan Park

To the north of the city, we parked up the car outside the entrance to Donovan Park.  The plan was for us to wander through this rural parkland via a winding park road and end up at Anderson Park which is across the road at the other end.

When Invercargill was first laid out, Donovan park was established to provide a link between Thomsons Bush to the south and Anderson Park immediately north.

After wandering through open grassland, ponds and trees, we popped out right opposite the entry to Anderson Park.

Anderson Park

Who would have thought that you could find a little bit of ‘Dallas’ in the middle of Invercargill?  That is exactly what went through my mind when I first saw the stately residence in the grounds of Anderson Park, located on the northern outskirts of the city.

This elegant Georgian style homestead was built in 1925 by Sir Robert Anderson.  He developed the 300-acre block into ‘horticulture heaven’, which was his wife’s passion.

It was Anderson’s wish that on his wife’s death, the house, gardens and grounds be gifted to the city to be used as a public park.  His wish has certainly been honoured and although the grand house is sadly no longer open to the public, many still enjoy the gardens, ponds, native bush and playground.

The homestead was registered as a historic place Category 1 with the Historic Places Trust.  It has been assessed as a serious earthquake risk and has been closed since 2014.  I sincerely hope that it can be restored and reopened to the public once again so that it can be enjoyed by all as it should be.

Summary:

Thanks, Invercargill, for providing us with a much-needed sanctuary during turbulent and worrying times.

If you would like more information on some of the walking trails above, plus some others not covered off in this blog, click on the link for a great brochure on local walks in Invercargill.

I have put together a short slideshow to show off some of the jewels in the crown of Invercargill, our home for 3 months.