There’s something quietly special about the South of the South – the kind of place that deserves its own road trip. The roads are wide and the light feels softer. Life just runs at a different pace here.
Sheep graze across the paddocks and gumboots sit by the door – not for show, but because they’re used every day. People wave as you drive past, and you can’t help but wave back.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down. In summer, the brown-and-gold tones of Central are such a contrast to the lush greens of Southland stretching wide around you. It’s a refreshing change, and we always comment on how vastly different each province of the South Island feels once you’re on the road!
When you start your journey from our base in Alexandra, you’re already halfway to somewhere beautiful. Head south and you’ll find Invercargill, Bluff, and Riverton – three of our favourite spots that show off the best of southern New Zealand. They’re friendly, and a little bit quirky. You can bet your bottom dollar on a story or two to be discovered if you perch yourself on a local country bar stool!
So pack up the Kombi and head for the South of the South. That’s where the road – and the real adventure – begins.
Classic Southland Style
Down here, the look is practical and proud. Red band gumboots are a staple, and a paddock full of sheep is just part of the view. There’s no fuss – just good, honest living and a quiet sense of pride in doing things properly.
When you’re travelling through Southland, you start to notice the little things that make it feel different. The tidy hedges. The old tractors still working hard. The small country towns buzzing with locals. It’s everyday life – but it’s full of character.
And that’s what makes road-tripping through this part of New Zealand so good. You’re not just passing through; you’re getting a glimpse into how people live, and it’s the kind of authenticity that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Queens Park & Burt Munro’s Statue
Right in the heart of Invercargill sits Queens Park. It’s a green space that locals absolutely love, and one of the city’s real treasures. It’s an 80 acre paradise full of places to explore – you could easily lose an hour or two just wandering.
Walk in through the Feldwick Gates and follow the path that leads your eye straight to the rotunda. It’s one of those picture-perfect views that makes you reach for your camera without even thinking. The park changes with the seasons too – one visit might be full of bright colour, the next one showcasing that perfect soft winter light.
There’s plenty here for everyone. Families love the playground and animal reserve, and the Winter Garden is always worth popping into – it’s warm and full of tropical plants. My personal favourite, though, is The Stumpery. It’s a creative little corner made from old logs and roots turned into garden art.
Queens Park is one of those places that makes you feel instantly at home. Grab a coffee and some food from town or the cafe inside the park, and have a little picnic before going for a wander.
Before you leave, wander over to Gala Street, just near the Feldwick Gates. There you’ll find a bronze statue of local legend Burt Munro – captured mid-ride on his 1920 Indian Scout. It’s larger than life, just like the man himself, and a great reminder of the determination and heart that Southlanders are known for.
E Hayes & Sons & the Motorworks Collection
From there, it’s only a few minutes to E Hayes & Sons on Dee Street. You might think why visit a hardware store? But it’s part hardware shop, part museum, and is also home to the Motorworks Collection – including Burt’s original 1920 Indian Scout, “The World’s Fastest Indian.”
You don’t need to be a motorbike fan to appreciate it. The displays are full of character and local pride – a true Southland icon.
If you don’t know much about Burt’s story, it’s well worth a read – his determination is part of what makes this region so special. You can check it out on the E Hayes & Sons website.
Bill Richardson Transport Museum
If you’re into anything vintage, the Bill Richardson Transport Museum is one of those places that completely surprises you. From the outside it looks impressive – but when you walk in, it’s huge. Rows of beautifully restored vehicles and old petrol pumps stretch as far as you can see.
Even if you’re not a vehicle person, it’s hard not to get caught up in the history of it all. Every truck and car has a story, and together they tell a bigger one about Southland’s hard-working roots. And yes, there are a few Kombis in there too – always fun to spot one of these!
Make sure you leave a bit of time to wander slowly – it’s easy to lose track of time in there. When you’re done, grab a coffee and something sweet at The Grille Café next door. It’s a great spot to sit for a bit before getting back on the road.
The Water Tower
Before you leave town, make sure you swing by one of Invercargill’s best-known landmarks – the Water Tower. Built from red brick and standing more than 40 metres tall, it’s one of those structures that’s just asking to be photographed.
You can’t go inside anymore, but it’s still worth a stop. On a clear day, the tower glows warm against a blue sky, and at night the lighting makes it look even more impressive. It’s a quick visit that captures a little bit of the city’s old-world charm.
Walk the Estuary Walkway
If you’ve got a bit more time, take a wander along the Estuary Walkway, also known as the Pleasure Bay Lagoon track. It’s a loop walk of just under five kilometres that gives you a different view of the city – sea on one side, lagoon on the other.
It’s a lovely, easy walk that takes about an hour, and you can cycle it too. Keep an eye out for birdlife along the way, and if you climb up to one of the viewing spots, you’ll get some great photos looking back toward the city.
If walking’s your thing, Invercargill has plenty of other short tracks worth checking out – you can see many different choices here.
Oreti Beach
Just a few minutes from town, Oreti Beach stretches out for what feels like forever. It’s one of those wide, open beaches that locals are quietly proud of – and for good reason.
It’s one of the only beaches in New Zealand where you can still drive right on the sand… though not in our Kombis! They’re much happier parked up while you wander out for a walk or catch the sunset.
This is the same stretch of sand where Burt Munro tested his Indian motorcycle back in the 1950s, breaking records that still stand. You can almost picture him flying past, determined as ever, with nothing but grit and that Southland wind behind him.
Every February, the place comes alive for the Burt Munro Challenge – beach racing, bikes, and a whole lot of Southland energy. But even when it’s quiet, Oreti is something special. The light, and that endless horizon always make you feel like you’ve got the world to yourself.
Bluff & Stirling Point
Bluff is the southernmost stop on your South of the South road trip, and it’s where land and sea meet with a wild kind of beauty.
Drive south from Invercargill to the end of the road – or maybe the beginning, depending on how you look at it?! It’s a small port town with a big personality. Wind the windows down so you can smell the seaside salt in the air as you drive into the town.
Down at Stirling Point, you’ll find the famous yellow signpost pointing to cities all around the world. It’s a classic photo stop, but it’s also one of those places that makes you pause for a second and realise just how far south you’ve come.
Drive (or climb if you’re adventurous) up Bluff Hill while you’re there. The views stretch across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, and on a clear day, you can even make out the curve of the coastline back toward Invercargill. It’s beautiful when the sun’s out, but honestly, even when it’s blustery and wild, that’s part of the charm – it’s Southland at its most real.
If you’ve got a bit of time, pop into one of the local cafés or pubs in town. You’ll always find someone happy to chat, and the seafood’s as fresh as it gets.
Riverton – The Riviera of the South
About half an hour west of Invercargill is Riverton, one of those towns that instantly makes you slow down. Locals call it the Riviera of the South, and they’re not wrong – it’s got that easy coastal charm that makes you want to stay a while, and a stop in Riverton adds a splash of seaside charm to any South of the South road trip.
There’s something really special about the light here. Early in the morning it’s soft and golden, and by late afternoon it feels like everything glows. Take a stroll along the old wharf, wander through one of the local galleries, or grab fish and chips to eat by the water – somehow, it all tastes better with sea air.
If you’re up early, head to Taramea Bay Beach for sunrise. The reflections on the wet sand are unreal, and it’s usually quiet enough that you’ll have the whole beach to yourself. Later in the day, Riverton Rocks is a great spot for a walk – especially when the lupins turn the dunes bright yellow. It’s a favourite with locals for a reason.
If you keep following the coast, you’ll come to Monkey Island, near Orepuki. It’s a small, rocky island that you can walk to when the tide’s low, and the view from the beach is gorgeous. On a still day, the water looks like glass. It’s one of those little places that makes you glad you took the scenic route.
While you’re there, check out The Orepuki Beach Cafe, set in an old historic house. You’ll find it on the main highway of Orepuki overlooking Te Waewae Bay and the Longwoods Forest. Invercargill locals often take a drive out for lunch to partake of their fabulous food – from full meals to cabinet food.
Invercargill Sunsets
There’s something about sunsets down here that feels bigger than anywhere else. The skies stretch wide and the colours last way longer! The light has a way of softening everything it touches.
Park up somewhere quiet – maybe near the beach, or looking out across the fields – and watch the sky change. The golden glow slowly fades to pink, then deepens into violet and blue. Even the locals still stop to look – it’s that kind of moment.
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Let’s Take a Trip! → Start Your South of the South Road Trip
The South has a way of surprising you. It’s quieter, and full of moments that stick – like the smell of sea air, or the first sip of a good coffee after an early sunrise on the beach.
Start your South of the South road trip from Alexandra, and you’ve got the whole lower half of the island at your feet. Head south and see where the road leads. Make space for a few detours – they’re often the best part of the trip.
So go on – pack your bags and head to Alexandra to start your own South of the South adventure!
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