Sports
Rugby Park
Far more than a venue for rugby, Rugby Park is a well-loved sporting hub in Invercargill. With capacity for up to 15,000 people, high-quality playing surfaces and excellent spectator facilities, it’s one of Invercargill’s most capable large-scale sports venues. It has hosted everything from Rugby World Cup matches to community sporting events.
Sandy Point Domain
Home to a wide range of clubs and sporting codes - from rowing and mountain biking to sled dog racing - Sandy Point Domain is one of Southland’s most diverse sporting destinations. Just ten minutes' drive from Invercargill and spanning more than 2,000 hectares of beach, river and native forest, it has the space and facilities to host sporting events of all kinds.
Splash Palace
Known as Invercargill’s premier swimming complex, Splash Palace is home to a range of aquatic facilities, including a 50m sports pool, leisure pool, hydroslides, spa and steam room. It’s a popular venue for swimming competitions, school sports events and tournaments.
Surrey Park
One of Invercargill's most unique and versatile sporting destinations in Southland, Surrey Park Sports Centre offers an athletic track, softball diamonds, grandstand, playing fields and open greenspace available for hire. It’s well set up for everything from sports training and tournaments to carnivals and commercial events. The wider complex is also home to the ILT leisure centre and an indoor cycling velodrome, two of New Zealand's premier indoor sports facilities.
Turnbull Thomson Park
Whatever your sport, chances are Turnbull Thomson Park has a space for it. Spread across four sections alongside Otepuni Creek, this well-used Invercargill sporting hub caters for rugby, league, football, cricket, hockey, touch and golf practice. A highly versatile sports venue in Southland, and ideal for tournaments, club days and team training.
Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue – Bluff Adventure Park
Perched above Bluff, Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue is unlike any other sports venue in Southland. With more than 10km of mountain biking and walking trails across 27 tracks, it caters to a wide range of skill levels, and is a brilliant destination for active group sports, mountain biking events and sporting challenges.
Explore Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue – Bluff Hill Adventure Park
Waikiwi Domain
With playing fields, a bowling green, open green space and a playground, Waikiwi Domain is a well-rounded sporting venue in Invercargill. Suitable for a wide range of sporting codes, from bowling and rugby union to football, cross country, and sports training, it’s a versatile space for club sport and community sporting events.
Waverley Park
A well-equipped multi-sports park in Invercargill, Waverley Park is home to football, rugby, cricket and bowls clubs. It’s a popular choice for tournaments, club days and community sporting events. With a great range of facilities, it’s a venue that loves to host Southland sport.
Recreation
Donovan Park
Rural charm meets city convenience at Donovan Park - 79 hectares of parkland and working farmland on the outskirts of Invercargill, perfect for a relaxed day out. Walk the easy tracks, wander past the duck pond, or hire the open spaces for outdoor gatherings. Craftys Restaurant is on site for when you’ve worked up an appetite.
Elizabeth Park
A large and well-loved reserve in South Invercargill, Elizabeth Park spans more than 14 hectares of sheltered green space. From a fantastic adventure playground and BMX tracks to open grounds and a picnic area accommodating up to 60 people, there's plenty to keep everyone busy (and it’s dog-friendly!). A relaxed and versatile recreation destination for groups of all sizes.
Elles Road – Town Belt and Dog Park
Whether you're lacing up for a casual game of league, walking the dog or just looking for some fresh air with friends, the Town Belt at Elles Road is a well-loved green escape in South Invercargill. The fully fenced, off-lead Elles Road Dog Park is a favourite for dog owners, while the tree-lined walkway is a great spot for an easy stroll or a casual community gathering.
Estuary Walkway
Time to get some steps in? The Estuary Walkway offers a 4.7km walking and cycling track that winds past Pleasure Bay Lagoon, a historic railway trestle bridge and the iconic Stead Street Wharf. A seaside retreat, it's one of Invercargill's most rewarding recreational routes for walking events, cross country, harriers and a good old-fashioned explore.
Otepuni Gardens
Tucked alongside the Otepuni Creek, just minutes from the CBD, Otepuni Gardens is a quiet and much loved escape from the bustle of city life. With more than nine hectares of gardens and green space, it’s the perfect place for a quiet walk, picnic or visiting the play areas with the kids.
Queens Park
Invercargill's most beloved green space, Queens Park is a Five Star Garden of National Significance and a natural destination for recreation of every kind. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll through the rose gardens, visiting the aviary and animal reserve, or letting the kids loose in the nature play area, there's something for everyone across 81 hectares of stunning parkland.
Russell Square
A go-to spot for family recreation in South Invercargill, Russell Square is fully fenced, wheelchair accessible and packed with all the playground equipment kids need for a great afternoon out. Fire up the BBQ, make use of the picnic tables and shelter - it's the kind of place that takes the hard work out of a fun family day out.
Sandy Point Domain
Step outside the city and into 2,000 hectares of beach, river, estuary and native forest at Sandy Point Domain. This venue has a wide range of recreational activities available - walk the tracks, ride the mountain bike trails, watch the wildlife or simply find a quiet spot to picnic by the water. With spaces for hire and the Oreti Sands Building available for gatherings, it's Southland's ultimate outdoor recreation destination.
Seaward Bush
Escape the city without going far at Seaward Bush Reserve, just 9km from central Invercargill. This beautiful area of native kāmahi forest is a peaceful place to slow down - walk amongst the native bush, enjoy the birdsong, or hire the sheltered picnic area for a quiet gathering in a setting that takes you back to nature.
Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue – Bluff Adventure Park
For those who like their recreation with a side of adventure, Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue on Bluff Hill is for you. More than 10km of mountain biking and walking trails, spectacular views and full amenities at the base make it a great recreation destination for group adventures and outdoor exploration. Plus its accessible walking trail ensures everyone can enjoy some fun.
Explore Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue – Bluff Hill Adventure Park
Thomsons Bush
Take a breath and step into the peace and quiet of Thomsons Bush, less than 3km from Invercargill’s CBD but a world away from the bustle of the city. This remnant of ancient kahikatea swamp forest is a peaceful retreat, with 3.5km of easy walking trails winding through native bush. Perfect for moments of stillness, exercise or exploration.
