Invercargill City: Motorcycle Collections and Coastal Walks

More than 300 motorcycles in historic buildings, a coastal walkway with views across Foveaux Strait, and a 1.5 km loop track through regenerating coastal bush showcase the range of interests for visitors to Invercargill City. There are also other vehicle collections, gardens and local history. To plan your trip, you could start by considering which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Motorcycles and vehicle history

Classic Motorcycle Mecca is housed in two historic buildings in the Invercargill CBD and is home to more than 300 motorcycles. The collection has a clear focus on motorcycles, making the exhibition a distinctive destination for anyone interested in these vehicles.

Bill Richardson Transport World houses more than 300 vehicles. Local bus services are nearby, and taxis can be arranged from the gift shop. This provides a practical guide to local transport when planning your visit.

E Hayes and Sons displays Burt Munro’s authentic, original and legendary 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle. While Classic Motorcycle Mecca is home to an extensive motorcycle collection, this exhibition focuses on a single named vehicle.

Coastal walks near Bluff and Omaui

Te Wahi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park on Bluff Hill has more than 10 km of mountain biking and walking trails.

The Foveaux Walkway is an easy, well-formed track along the coast of Motupōhue (Bluff). From here, you can look across Foveaux Strait to Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuku Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura.

The Glory Track offers a different experience: this bush walk passes a gun emplacement and an observation bunker from the Second World War. The track also offers views across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island/Rakiura and Dog Island Lighthouse. The Foveaux Walkway focuses on the coastline and views, while the Glory Track also features the two historic structures.

At Omaui Reserve, a 1.5 km loop track winds through regenerating coastal bush to an elevated viewing platform. Omaui also offers a glimpse into the area’s changing uses: it was first a Māori settlement, then a European whaling station, pilot station and quarantine station.

Gardens and local highlights

Queens Park offers walks through lush greenery and several distinctive gardens. This adds a different focus to the coastal walks: here, the parkland and gardens take centre stage rather than coastal bush or views.

Bluff is also known for its local food: the town is famous for Bluff oysters. Together with the different collections, walking trails and gardens, this gives you a wide range of themes to consider when planning your trip. If you’re looking for a hotel in Invercargill City, deciding whether vehicle history, the coast, gardens or local cuisine matters most to you can help guide your choice of where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Invercargill, Bluff, Gore District, Southland District.

For the regional travel overview: Southland.