I've got some time to kill in the south end of the South island of NZ and would love some advice on where to spend it. Other than the biog smoke (Dunedin) I'm thinking of staying in Oamaru and Invercargill, and interested to hear of good places to stay or bars to party in. (Also interested in the Catlins and Fiordland but might just wing it when I get there on those.)
2
trrk
Assuming it is a serious question...
If you are making it down to Invercargill try to hop across to Stewart Island (great for walking, bird-watching and generally getting away from things). It is one of few places in NZ not touched by mass tourism.
Not much to do in Oamaru and Invercargill but check out the Moeraki Boulders (between Dunedin and Oamaru) and maybe Waikouaiti (some nice quiet beaches near here).
Don't miss the Catlins and Fiordland.
3
joolz2
In Invercargill you can go to the most Southerly Starbucks in the world, and lots of blokes in checked shirts.
The Catlins are nice - watch out for the sealions which lounge around on the beaches and sometimes hide in the dunes.
4
brettandsue
Oamaru has several historic homes you could visit and an old working farm where the first frozen meats exports left from. There is interesting topography in this area (strange stones!). There is a quite good cheese factory and you can also view loads of little and very rare penguins coming home each night. The town has a historic precinct where you could easily fill in half an hour. There is actually quite a bit to do in Oamaru, although it isn't party sort of stuff.
Invercargill has a great museum with tuataras in it (ancient reptiles) as well as other good displays. Queens Park in the centre of the city is large and wonderful to walk through on a ncie day. If you're interested in golf there are loads of very cheap options. If you're keen to party though, you won't find yourself well catered for.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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