Car Rental Invercargill Airport

Invercargill is known for its celebration of motorcycles, originating with one of its most celebrated notable residents, Burt Munro. Munro, who was born and died in Invercargill, is famous for his under-1000cc motorcycle world record, which he set in 1967. Somewhat of a folk hero in his hometown, his legacy led to the 2013 film The World’s Fastest Indian (partially filmed in Invercargill), and has inspired museums throughout the town. Classic Motorcycle Mecca is a must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts, and contains an impressive collection of old, new, and rare motorbikes. Be sure to purchase a ‘Turbo Pass’ which also allows you access to Bill Richardson Transport World, a fascinating, well-loved private collection of trucks and cars. Finally, E Hayes and Sons may just look like a hardware store, but in fact, it has Burt Munro’s famous bike on display, and is well worth a visit.

For the food and drink enthusiast, tantalise your taste buds at the Blue River Dairy, a sheep milk cafe that showcases what the rolling green hills and lush landscape can produce. Taste beer like you've never tasted before at the Invercargill Brewery. Take a tour of the brewery and learn all about the brewing process. If sweets are more your style, then you'll love the Seriously Good Chocolate company, where you can get your hands dirty and make your own chocolate – that’s if you don’t eat the mixture first.

While you’re on the coast, you’d be remiss not to take a drive down the Southern Scenic Route. The Southern Scenic Route is a tourist highway that links Queenstown to Dunedin. Whilst not the most direct route between the towns, the highway was designed to show off the delights of the beauty of southern New Zealand, and travels through various towns, including Invercargill. Located right in the middle of the route, Invercargill is the perfect homebase to explore the entire route. If you don’t have time to see it all, here are a few of our favourite spots:

• The Catlins Coast: The Catlins offer some of the route’s most scenic coastal views, with Nugget Point/Tokata a must-see for some stunning photo ops. Stop off in the town of Curio Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to do some wildlife spotting – sea lions regularly make their way onto the shoreline, and you may even spot a Yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), or a Hector's dolphin (papakanua).
• Papatowai: A short drive from Curio Bay, Papatowai is a tiny coastal town with a population of around 40 people. Papatowai is a good stop-off spot to visit the nearby McLean Falls, the tallest waterfall in the Catlins.
• Riverton: Heading in the opposite direction from Invercargill (towards Queenstown), you’ll come across the township of Riverton/Aparima. The area is known as the ‘Riviera of the South’, and is a popular spot for artists and fisherman.
• Te Anau: Just under two hours north of Riverton, Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland. Take off on one of the many walking tracks in the area, or use the town as your base for exploring Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Check out Habit Foods before you leave to try some delicious bao!