The Most Romantic Activities in Invercargill
Travelling around New Zealand as part of your honeymoon or perhaps you just want to amp up “date night”? Check out some of the most romantic things to do in Invercargill for couples right here. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or want something to suit all weathers, there are options for all tastes in the southernmost city of New Zealand. We’ll go through some of our top picks in this list of the romantic activities in Invercargill for couples.
Plus, get more advice from The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Invercargill and find places to stay in 5 Best Romantic Accommodations in Invercargill.
1. Watch the Sunset from Oreti Beach
Even in the southernmost reaches of the South Island, there are some romantic beaches to explore. Invercargill’s nearest beach is Oreti Beach, just a few minutes drive from the city centre and one of the very few beaches in New Zealand where you can park right on the sand. The sandy beach forms part of the Te Araroa Trail, which, while you don’t have to walk the 160 days it takes to complete the nationwide trail from top to bottom, makes for a wonderful place for a romantic stroll on the beach. What’s more, Oreti Beach captures some brilliant sunsets, especially in summer. See more free attractions like Oreti Beach in the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Invercargill.
Location: Access at the end of Dunns Road and Foveux Street, approximately 10km (6 miles) from Invercargill city centre.
© Pexels2. Stroll Hand-in-Hand Through Queens Park
Smell the roses and galavant through the gardens of Queens Park. Queens Park is the city’s jewel, located in the centre and decorated with plenty to see for curious couples. Discover vibrant flower beds, various sculptures, animals and birds in the aviary, tropical displays in the winter garden, and much more. Queens Park is certainly one of the must-see free attractions for couples. Find more parks and reserves to explore with 5 Glorious Reserves & Parks in Invercargill.
Location: Multiple access points along Queens Drive, Gala Street, Kelvin Street, Park Street and Victoria Avenue, approximately 1km (0.6 miles) from Invercargill city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Enjoy an Intimate Scenic Flight to Stewart Island
An intimate experience to enjoy with your loved one, a scenic flight to Stewart Island is simply stunning. Invercargill is the base for all flights taking you on a 20-minute journey to New Zealand’s third island, where you’ll get to admire Oreti Beach, Bluff and the Forveaux Strait from above. Land in Oban, Stewart Island’s one and only town, where you can jump straight into the Stewart Island activities for couples. Alternatively, fly right across the stunning wilderness area of the Rakiura National Park, landing on the sand at Mason Bay for an overnight hiking excursion. See more experiences like this in the 5 Luxury Activities in Invercargill.
Location: Invercargill Airport – Airport Avenue, approximately 2.5km (1.5 miles) from Invercargill city centre. A coach and ferry transfer to Stewart Island is also available with RealNZ.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Indulge in Southland Cuisine for Date Night
Invercargill is the hub of Southland cuisine, making it an amazing place to enjoy a dinner date with a difference. One of Invercargill’s most romantic restaurants is the fine dining Elegance at 148 on Elles restaurant with an extensive menu of flavourful seafood dishes, wild venison dishes and vegetarian options. For a more casual atmosphere without sacrificing quality food, try Buster Crabb. The restaurant offers a distinctive focus on steak and Southland specialities, such as Southland blue cod, sticky venison spare ribs and slow-roasted lamb. Finally, sit down with a glass of New Zealand wine and an impeccably-presented meal at The Rocks Cafe & Shop 5. The restaurant offers European crowd-pleasers, as well as mouthwatering desserts.
Location: Elegance at 148 on Elles – 148 Elles Road, Corner Elles Road & Crinan Street, Georgetown. Buster Crabb – 326 Dee Street. The Rocks Cafe & Shop 5 – 101 Dee Street.
© Miles Holden - Tourism New Zealand5. Discover Thousands of Vehicles and “Wearable Art” at Transport World
Be in awe together at the seriously impressive collection of vehicles at Bill Richardson Transport World. This 15,000m² (161459ft²) complex harbours thousands of beautifully-restored vehicles, from old-school Ford Letter Cars to stunning V8’s from the 1930s! But don’t worry if your other half is not a petrolhead, because the World of Wearable Art exhibition overlooking the museum from a mezzanine never fails to delight! Complete the experience by enjoying a lunch date at an American-style diner, The Grille. Additionally, see more all-weather activities in the 10 Things to Do in Invercargill on a Rainy Day.
Location:
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Go on a Road Trip to The Catlins, Riverton and More
When you get itchy feet, there’s plenty of opportunity to adventure together around Invercargill. Hit the road to one of the surrounding towns and regions, like Riverton with its own beaches, eateries and a fantastic museum. Alternatively, drive from waterfall to waterfall and watch wildlife like adorable penguins, seals and sea lions on The Catlins Coast. And it doesn’t end there! We have a whole bunch of road trip ideas in The Best Day Trips from Invercargill.
Location: See driving times from Invercargill in the link above.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Make Each Other Chocolate Hearts at The Seriously Good Chocolate Company
Strengthen your bond by learning something new together. Why not combine that with making each other sweet treats at The Seriously Good Chocolate Company?! Aside from indulging in treats at the artisan chocolate cafe, couples can tour the chocolate factory behind the magic. Learn how to make your own gourmet chocolates in a bespoke chocolate-making class. It’s an interesting hands-on experience where you can treat each other to heart-shaped chocolates that you’ve made yourselves. N’aww!
Location: 147 Spey Street, Invercargill city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Relax at The Lignite Pit Cafe & Secret Garden
More endearing park-like landscapes can be found at The Lignite Pit Cafe & Secret Garden just outside of Invercargill. This once flooded lignite pit has been transformed into 17 acres of nature-friendly gardens around a central lake, which is also a popular wedding venue. Enjoy the views either from the quaint cafe with home baking or on the walking trails (or both)!
Location: 15 Ashers Road, approximately 20km (12 miles) from Invercargill city centre.
© PexelsMore Romantic Things to Do in Invercargill
That’s it for our list of the most romantic things to do in Invercargill for couples. There are still some amazing experiences that don’t necessarily fall under the “romantic category”, which you can check out in the following articles:
- 10 Best Walks in Invercargill
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Invercargill
- The Complete Travel Guide to Invercargill
By the time you’ve reached Invercargill, you’ve probably got grip on organising a romantic trip in New Zealand but if you need more advice, check out The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Southland NZ (Regional tourism website)
- Visit Fiordland (Regional tourism website)
- Invercargill City Council (Local council website)
- Southland District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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