There’s plenty of outdoor activities to discover all over the city of Invercargill, so we’ve compiled the best hikes and parks that are sure to provide a thrill or two for the entire family. Strap up those walking shoes, pile into your Thrifty rental car, and let’s get going on an adventure like no other!

Find Serenity at Queens Park

What better place to begin your outdoor adventures around Invercargill than in the heart of the city! Queens Park may be in the city centre, but this is no concrete jungle of skyscrapers and buildings. With 81 hectares of lush parkland, trees and outdoor activities, you could spend a whole day meandering around this oasis of greenery—maybe even two! You can expect to find all kinds of outdoor activities around Queens Park, but the best one to start with that will have the whole family brimming with thrilling excitement is the Animal Reserve and Aviary. This animal reserve houses all kinds of creatures for you to get up close and personal with, from exotic to native, big to small. For more adventures around the park, check out the incredible sculpture garden or the children’s mediaeval-themed playground. If you’d prefer just wandering around the grounds and taking in all the beauty by sight, the fitness trail has you covered with a track that will lead you throughout the lush gardens and gorgeous scenery on foot.

Embrace Nature at Invercargill Estuary Walkway

Just a five-minute drive west of the city centre, you’ll discover another precious gem in Invercargill’s crown of outdoor adventure jewels. The Invercargill Estuary Walkway is the perfect way to get out and about as a whole family, stretching your legs and expelling your energy, all while taking in the thrilling views that surround. The walkway features a 4.7 kilometre loop track that will guide you around the perfectly named Pleasure Lagoon. There’s no doubt you’ll find a bucketload of pleasure in the scenery here! Leave your car in the car park near Stead Street Wharf and get going on this exciting activity. Not only does the walking track provide an outlook that will make your jaw drop, but there is also a viewing platform that delivers views over the estuary and lagoon, as well as seating and shelters for you to take a rest in between adventures. 

Discover a Seaside Paradise at Sandy Point Domain

Next up on this epic list of family-friendly outdoor adventures is the paradise that is Sandy Point Domain. Only a ten minute drive out west from the city centre, Sandy Point delivers spectacular scenery of lush bush and vibrant greenery. If you’re heading to Sandy Point on the weekend, make sure to pop into the Visitor Centre to check out some of the informative displays and interpretive material that’s sure to teach the whole family more about the rich vegetation of the area. Sandy Point Domain is a great spot to walk around with little ones, given its flat walking trail surface and picturesque scenery. There are plenty of places to settle down with a picnic or just to rest in the soft long grasses of the reserve. It’s also known that plenty of local wildlife hang out in this region, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled!

Marvel in Awe at the Otepuni Gardens

Back in the heart of Invercargill and by the Otepuni Stream, you’ll discover the picturesque Otepuni Gardens. Another hotspot for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers, this place provides the perfect combination of the serenity of nature with the convenience of the city location. Covering a whopping 9.4 hectares of gardens, the best way to begin exploring this haven of greenery is by following the stream. The peacefulness of the flowing water provides a beautiful sanctuary right within the city. This is the perfect stop in between urban adventures, as well as for a morning stroll or an after-dinner meander. Kids will love the majestic trees that line the gardens, and the quietness of this oasis is sure to delight the adults with a welcomed reprieve of calmness away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Whether it’s wandering around a city park or hiking up to capture some stunning seaside views, Invercargill is brimming with outdoor adventures for you and the family to discover—all in the comfort of your Thrifty rental car.