Invercargill, New Zealand π³πΏ
#1464
-46.411846, 168.347063
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Invercargill is the southernmost city in New Zealand, located in the Southland region. It is known for its rich history, vibrant local culture, and close proximity to stunning natural landscapes. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 54,000 residents. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average download speed of 50 Mbps and upload speed of 20 Mbps, with fiber options available in many areas. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | New Zealand Dollar (NZD), with exchange rate approximately 1 NZD β 0.60 USD. |
| π° Tap Water | Drinkable and considered safe for consumption. |
| π Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets used. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Spark, Vodafone, and 2degrees, with prepaid options widely available. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Common banks include ANZ, Westpac, and ASB. Online banking options like TransferWise and Revolut are also accepted. |
| π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. Prices range from NZD 80 to NZD 200 per night depending on location and amenities. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Bookabach offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Budget accommodation can be found at Kiwi Basecamp and YHA Invercargill. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | The Foundry offers a conducive environment for remote work with high-speed internet. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | The Batch Cafe is popular among locals for its great coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Check Meetup and local Facebook groups for networking functions and social events. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the Invercargill Expats group on Facebook for regular meetups and social outings. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Invercargill for convenient ride bookings. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are available at local shops like Cycle Surgery. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Oreti Beach is approximately 15 minutes away by car, offering a scenic coastline. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air New Zealand offers regional flights to and from Invercargill. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Qantas operate flights to international destinations. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Easy access to State Highways 1 and 6 for regional travel. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Invercargill has a bus terminal for local and regional transit services. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available through Go Bus. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses connect Invercargill to nearby towns, with services operated by Go Bus and InterCity. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Southland Hospital provides comprehensive medical services and emergency care. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hot Yoga Invercargill offers classes for all levels. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Global Fitness has various equipment and fitness classes available. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundromat facilities are located at various locations including City Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | UberEats operates in Invercargill, providing access to local restaurants. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Bluff Oysters, a local delicacy during the oyster season. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Oasis Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Shop is famous for its artisanal chocolates and desserts. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Southern Farmers Market is open on weekends offering local produce and products. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Farmers' markets also have e-commerce options for local goods. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Countdown offers online grocery shopping with delivery options in Invercargill. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The CBD has several bars and pubs like The Kiln and The Crown Hotel for nightlife. |
| π» Local Brewery | Invercargill Brewery produces a range of craft beers and offers tours. |
| π· Wine Bars | The vineyard area of Wairau Valley is nearby, with some local wine bars available in the city. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Street food is offered at festivals and events throughout the year. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Cafe D'homme serves a mix of local and international dishes, including Thai and Italian. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Southland Museum and Art Gallery is a key attraction for local culture. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Invercargill Public Art Gallery features local and national artists. |
| π° Historical Sites | Take a stroll through Queens Park, which features historical features and gardens. |
| π Religious Sites | St. Mary's Basilica is a notable church for visitors. |
| π Annual Events | The Southland Festival of the Arts takes place annually in Spring. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | Dee Street has several galleries and artisan shops showcasing local art. |
| π Theater Venues | The Civic Theatre hosts regular performances and events. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | Check out the Southland Farmers Market for local produce every weekend. |
| πΌ Music Scene | The Invercargill Workingmenβs Club often hosts live music events. |
| π¨ Street Art | Various murals decorate all around the city, showcasing local artists. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Southland Institute offers cooking classes focusing on local ingredients. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Invercargill Public Art Gallery features rotating exhibitions. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Old Post Office building is a must-see for architecture lovers. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The local heritage is celebrated in annual events and educational programs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | The Oreti River is excellent for fishing and kayaking, located just outside the city. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Fiordland National Park is about a 2-hour drive from Invercargill. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Invercargill Coastal Pathway is a scenic route for cycling or walking. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | The Bluff Hill Lookout offers stunning views of Foveaux Strait. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The estuaries around Invercargill are great for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Oreti Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | CourierPost and NZ Post provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair NZ offers device repairs for phones and laptops. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | The Invercargill Table Tennis Club offers facilities for play. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | The Southland Institute offers English and MΔori language courses. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The Invercargill City Library is a great place for study with Wi-Fi access. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The Southland Multicultural Centre hosts various cultural activities. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Local esports events take place at IRL Gaming Lounge. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | The Ascot Park Hotel includes a casino for gaming options. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = NZD 120,000). |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = NZD 100,000). |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = NZD 210,000). |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = NZD 168,000). |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. NZD 3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = NZD 256,000). |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. NZD 2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = NZD 184,000). |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 28% corporate tax rate. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 33% applied to dividend distributions. |
| π¦ Tax System | New Zealand tax system is based on residency, taxing worldwide income. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33% for individuals earning over NZD 180,000. |
| π§Ύ VAT | 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable strict rules are in place. |
| π Property Tax | No annual property tax, but rates are levied by local councils. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | There is no tax applied during property purchases. |