The Travel Guide to Invercargill for Families [2024]

© Dig This Invercargill

Outdoor Family Activities in Invercargill

From gorgeous parks to action-packed adventures, Invercargill presents a range of outdoor activities for families. Here are just some of our top picks.

Dig This!

Ready to reak some havoc? Hand over the controls of bulldozers, excavators, mini excavators or skid steers to your kids and watch them have a blast! Dig This Invercargill is a heavy equipment playground where you don’t need a driver’s license to operate the heavy machinery. The Mini Dig option is the best option for kids over five years, while the Big Dig Excavator is an awesome choice for mum and dad to stack 907kg (2,000lb) tyres and play “bucket basketball”. Find Dig This at 84 Otepuni Avenue. Find out more about Dig This on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Mautara Petting Zoo

[Update: Mautara Petting Zoo has closed]. Escape the city for the day and get a taste of the Kiwi farming life at Mautara Petting Zoo. Visit the farm and take a guided tour of the farm animals where kids will get to interact with sheep, goats, alpaca, pigs, ducks and chickens. There’s also the opportunity to groom the farm’s ponies and cuddle the pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Free Things to Do in Invercargill for Families

You don’t have to go over budget to enjoy some quality family time in Invercargill.

Queens Park

For a fun free thing to do, explore the city central park of Queens Park. There’s plenty here to keep the little ones entertained as you get some fresh air and exercise, from sculptures dotted around the park to an aviary with parrots. Find out outdoor spaces to enjoy in 5 Glorious Reserves & Parks in Invercargill.

Demolition World – Gold Coin Entry

And for something a little bit quirky, head to Demolition World on Bain Street. See a make-shift town made from buildings and kitted up with furniture and fixings of years gone by, all of which have been saved from a demolition site. It’s certainly a place to get the imaginations of the little ones running, while the children’s play area and farm animals are more ways to keep entertained.

For more activity ideas, check out 10 Amazing Things to Do in Invercargill.

© Bill Richardson Transport World

Indoor Family Activities in Invercargill

There’s always something to do in Invercargill, whatever the weather is doing. Here are some ideas for all-weather activities for families.

Bill Richardson Transport World

A must-do for families come rain or shine, the Bill Richardson Transport World is an all-weather activity you can count on. Check out one of the largest private collections of vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t worry if you’re not a petrolhead, as there’s the weird and wonderful World of Wearable Art exhibition, as well as a dedicated Construction Zone LEGO Room for families. There’s interactive fun to be had around the museum, including dress-up costumes and a New Zealand Police Paddy Wagon to play in and educational programmes on the iPads provided. You can end a visit with a relaxing drink or food at The Grille Cafe. Transport World is located outside of the city centre on 491 Tay Street.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca

On a similar note to the attraction above, a vehicle collection is also available to browse right in the heart of Invercargill at Classic Motorcycle Mecca. If you have younguns who are into their cars and motorbikes, then they’ll love checking out the display of more than 300 motorcycles! Find this attraction on Tay Street. Find out more about Classic Motorcycle Mecca on Viator and Tripadvisor.

ILT Stadium Southland

And for the active family, check out the climbing walls at the impressive ILT Stadium Southland. Within the confines of this huge sports complex with a velodrome and 11 indoor sports courts, there’s a clip ‘n climb climbing wall presenting a fun challenge for kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day!

For more inspiration for things to do, head to the 10 Things to Do in Invercargill on a Rainy Day.