Things to do in Invercargill and Bluff

Invercargill sits 190 km south of Queenstown, roughly 2 h 20 by road, and is the country's southernmost city. Its centrepiece is Bill Richardson Transport World, a private collection of trucks, tractors and motorcycles that easily fills half a day, entry around NZD 25 for adults.

Bluff, the actual port town famous for its oysters, is a separate place 30 km further on, about 25 minutes' drive, built around Stirling Point and its kilometre signpost marking the start of State Highway 1. Bluff oyster season runs March to August, with the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival held in May; outside those months, menus fall back on other seafood.

Bluff is also the departure point for the ferry to Stewart Island, a crossing of roughly one hour across Foveaux Strait, weather permitting.