Gerrard's Private Railway Hotel, Invercargill, New ZealandSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gerrard%27s_Private_Railway_Hotel.jpg
Author: Karora
Invercargill (Maori:
Waihōpai) is the city on the southernmost part of New Zealand. It is also one of the southernmost cities in the world. Invercargill is the main city and commercial center of the Southland Region. The city is on the Southland Plains, 18 km from Bluff, the southernmost town in New Zealand.
Invercargill is surrounded by great expanse of agricultural land as well as protected forestland, such as the Fiordland National Park. Invercargill covers 491 sq km (189.6 sq mi) and has a population of 52,000 people.
Invercargill Water TowerSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Invercargill_water_tower.jpg
Author: stanw
Earliest European settlement in Invercargill was established in the 1850s. The early settlers were mostly sealers, whalers and missionaries from the Free Church, a spin-off from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. In the 1860s, gold was discovered, bringing in more settlers to the area.
Invercargill had a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol which was implemented from 1905 until 1945, when returning servicemen out-voted the law. Even today, alcohol is not sold in supermarkets of Invercargill.
Traditionally based on agriculture, the economy of Invercargill in the past decade has increasingly emphasized tourism. The location of Invercargill on the Southern Scenic Route puts it on the tourist map, linking it with Queenstown, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Te Anau and Fiordland.
Visiting Invercargill
There are bus services to Invercargill from Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. There are also flights to Invercargill from Christchurch and Wellington.
Trooper's Memorial, InvercargillSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dee_and_Tay_roundabout.JPG
Author: Mr Bungle
Sights & Attractions to visit in Invercargill
- Anderson Park and Art Gallery
Public garden with art gallery occupying a Georgian-style house. The gallery displays fine examples of local art.
- Invercargill Water Tower
The landmark red-brick tower standing at 42 m (138 ft) tall was built in 1889, and is recognized today for its Neo-Romanesque design.
- Potter's Lodge
Built in 1866, this is the oldest house in Invercargill that is still standing.
- Queen's Park
Covering 0.8 sq km, this is the biggest botanical reserve in Invercargill. It features formal gardens, rose garden and wildlife park.
- Southland Museum and Art Gallery
Museum and gallery for the Southland region near Queen's Park, it celebrates the history and nature of the region.
- St John's Anglican Church
Church of the Anglicans in Invercargill. It features stained glass windows and barreled-vaulted ceiling.
- St Paul's Presbyterian Church
One of the main churches in Invercargill. It has a square bell tower with bells cast in Italy.
- Troopers' Memorial
Memorial at the intersection of Dee Street and Tay Street, at the heart of Invercargill.
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