The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Invercargill [2024]

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Outdoor Activities for Couples

Like most of New Zealand, some of the best things to do in Invercargill involve being in the great outdoors. Here are a few ways you can adventure together in the parks, beaches and surrounding region of Invercargill.

Invercargill’s Romantic Outdoor Spaces

Go smell the roses in Queens Park. Queens Park is Invercargill’s sparkling jewel in the centre of the city decorated with plenty to see for wandering couples. Walk hand-in-hand discovering the vibrant flower displays, the 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.

Even in the southernmost reaches of New Zealand, there are some romantic beaches. Invercargill’s nearest beach is Oreti Beach, just a few minutes drive from the city centre. It’s one of the very few beaches in New Zealand used as a road, where it’s common to see the locals parked 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 trail from the top of New Zealand to the bottom, Oreti Beach makes for a wonderful romantic stroll on the beach. What’s more, you can watch some brilliant sunsets here, especially in summer.

Check out more experiences like those listed above in the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Invercargill.

Day Trips for Couples from Invercargill

For the more active couple who want to adventure together, hit the road to one of the surrounding towns and regions! Nearby is the town of Riverton with its own beaches, eateries and a fantastic museum. Alternatively, hop from waterfall to waterfall and watch wildlife like penguins, seals and sea lions on the Catlins Coast. We have a whole bunch of ideas for road trips to take together in the 5 Amazing Day Trips from Invercargill and The Best Day Trips from Invercargill (yes, we have two articles on the same subject!)

While not exactly an outdoor activity, good weather helps for a scenic flight to Stewart Island. Invercargill is the base for all flights taking you on an intimate journey to Stewart Island, where you’ll get to admire Oreti Beach, Bluff and the Forveaux Strait between the South Island and Stewart Island from above. Land in Oban, Stewart Island’s one and only town, and get ready to jump into your Stewart Island adventures. Alternatively, fly right across the stunning wilderness area of the Rakiura National Park, landing on the beach at Mason Bay for an overnight hiking excursion back to Oban. Learn more about planning a trip to Stewart Island in The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Stewart Island.

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Indoor Activities for Couples

Of course, the weather doesn’t always play ball in Invercargill, so if you need some fun things to do out of the rain, then here are a few suggestions…

The Seriously Good Chocolate Company

Learning something new together is a great way to strengthen the bond, so why not combine that with making each other sweet treats at The Seriously Good Chocolate Company? What looks like an ordinary artisan chocolate cafe on the outside, actually harbours a chocolate factory in the back. Learn how to make your own gourmet chocolates in the bespoke chocolate-making class. It’s a fun hands-on experience, where you can treat each other to heart-shaped chocolates that you’ve made yourselves. N’aww!

Bill Richardson Transport World

Be in awe together at the seriously impressive collection of vehicles at Bill Richardson Transport World. This 15,000m² (161,459ft²) complex is home to 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 into cars, because the World of Wearable Art exhibition overlooking the complex from a mezzanine is sure to delight! Complete the experience by enjoying a date at an American-style diner, The Grille, which looks like something straight out of the movies!

For more all-weather activities, see the 14 Things to Do in Invercargill on a Rainy Day.

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Romantic Restaurants in Invercargill

Invercargill is the hub of Southland cuisine, making it an amazing place to enjoy “date night” with something a little different. One of Invercargill’s most romantic restaurants is the fine dining Elegance at 148 on Elles. Indulge in freshly-baked bread as your side and enjoy Southland specialities like fresh Bluff Oysters prepared in three ways. The only problem here is the analysis paralysis as you decide from the extensive menu of flavourful seafood dishes, wild venison dishes and vegetarian options! Learn more about the local delicacies in the 25 Foods You Have to Try in New Zealand.

For something a little more casual, try Buster Crabb on 326 Dee Street. The restaurant offers a distinctive focus of steak and the best of Southland, such as Southland blue cod, sticky venison spare ribs, slow-roasted lamb and more. We recommend leaving plenty of room though, as the portions here are “catered to the Southland appetite”.

Finally, sit down with a glass of New Zealand wine and an impeccably-presented meal at The Rocks Cafe & Shop 5 at 101 Dee Street. The restaurant inside a city centre arcade offers an upmarket dining experience serving European crowd-pleasers from surf & turf to lamb rump. At the end of it all, you’ll definitely want to share a dessert or two, like the baked caramel croissant pudding or Eaton Mess, similar to the Kiwi-favourite, pavlova.

For more lavish dining experiences and activities, see the 5 Luxury Activities in Invercargill.