Invercargill, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Invercargill, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to Invercargill, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Invercargill, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in Invercargill, New Zealand, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Invercargill, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Invercargill, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Invercargill, New Zealand by month

January

January in Invercargill is mild and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Invercargill during February, you may find that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

In March, Invercargill can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (high 10s C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Invercargill, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

In April, Invercargill is chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Invercargill, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the right type. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you go to Invercargill in May, you will notice that it is pretty cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Invercargill in June, you will notice that it can be brisk and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (single digits C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Invercargill can be brisk and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about two thirds of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average. There is frost 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the correct type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you go to Invercargill in August, you will notice that it is brisk and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you choose the correct type. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September here is cool and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the right type. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, Invercargill can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Invercargill, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Invercargill can be chilly and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) and sometimes jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Invercargill, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you vacation in Invercargill during December, you are likely to see that it is cool and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    New Zealand has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Invercargill. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Southland Fire Service Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Invercargill, New Zealand

Invercargill is a city located in the Southland region of New Zealand. It is a hidden gem that offers tourists a range of exciting activities and sights that are worth exploring. The city is home to a diverse range of attractions, including parks, museums, art galleries, and historic sites that highlight the fascinating history of the region. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Invercargill that you should check out:

1. E Hayes & Sons - Located in the heart of Invercargill, E Hayes & Sons is a store that sells everything from hardware, tools and housewares to souvenirs and gifts. However, the most exciting part of this store is its world-famous motorcycle collection. You’ll find the “World's Fastest Indian”, an Indian Scout motorcycle that was built in 1920 and was made famous by Burt Munro. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in motorcycles and engineering.

2. Queens Park - Queens Park is a beautiful public park that spans over 80 hectares. It is home to walking trails, gardens, an aviary, a playground, a golf course, and a museum. The park is a great place to relax and unwind, and it also has free entry, making it an affordable place to visit for families.

3. Bill Richardson Transport World - The Bill Richardson Transport World is one of the largest private collections of trucks in the world. The collection also includes a range of vintage cars, trailers, and motorcycles. There are over 300 vehicles on display, including iconic trucks like the Leyland Octopus and Freightliner Argosy. This museum caters to all ages, providing a fun and fascinating experience for both locals and visitors.

4. Classic Motorcycle Mecca - This motorcycle museum is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and it is home to a vast collection of classic and vintage motorcycles. The museum has over 300 motorcycles on display, including rare and unique models from around the world. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour for an even better experience.

5. Southland Museum and Art Gallery - Located in Invercargill’s Queens Park, the Southland Museum and Art Gallery has an extensive collection of historical and cultural artifacts. The museum features a range of exhibits, including the natural history of the region, the cultural heritage of the Maori, and the life of the early settlers. Visiting this museum is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the Southland region.

6. Oreti Beach - If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax and unwind, then Oreti Beach is the perfect place to visit. This long, sandy beach stretches for miles, and it’s popular with both surfers and those looking for a peaceful walk along the coastline. The beach is also home to the annual Burt Munro Challenge, a motorcycle event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

Invercargill has an impressive range of tourist attractions that will satisfy visitors with varied interests. With its beautiful parks, museums, galleries, and even motorcycle collections, the city has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing break or an exciting adventure, Invercargill is one of the best destinations to visit.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Tamar Valley, England, United Kingdom, Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States of America, Bailey Island, Maine, United States of America, Vaukavysk, Belarus, Tiverton, Rhode Island, United States of America, Rheine, Germany, Baltic Sea Coast, Germany, Vaucluse, France, Isabela, Philippines, Tsushima, Japan, and Ende, Indonesia.