Small Group Escorted Tour Of New Zealand
Spend 21 days exploring an endlessly stunning country and get a taste of the fascinating Māori culture during your Essence...
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Cultural holidays
Invercargill and Southland holidays carefully combine unique cultural attractions and modern city life to bring you the best of both worlds. Invercargill is the gateway of the south and provides the ideal place to explore the stunning scenery, intriguing cultural exhibitions and historical points of interest such as Bluff.
Spend a day or two enjoying Queens Park. It’s home to 80 hectares of impressive blooming gardens, peaceful tree-lined walks, a spectacular bird aviary, animal enclosures and a large playground for children. Located in the park, you’ll also find Southland Museum and Art Gallery, which houses the Maori Gallery, a glimpse into the everyday aspects of pre-European life in New Zealand. A mere 15 minute walk away, you’ll find The Anderson Park Art Gallery, which is home to some of the country’s finest art collections.
Invercargill holidays: the ideal getaway for culture and adventure
Explore the long-stretching coastlines of Invercargill and amble along the vast beaches. Alternatively, pull up a deckchair and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of the coast as you listen to waves lapping the shore.
Don’t miss out on the Bluff Oyster Festival, if you’re in Invercargill in May. This festival sees the town come to life with seafood related festivities and delicious foods to sample. You can even take part in the prestigious oyster-eating competition.
Foodies must take a trip to Blue River Dairy, Southland’s Sheep Milk Cafe and enjoy cheese tastings, as well as getting the chance to try the best cheese roll in Southland.
Gather memories to last a lifetime with one of our multi-centre tours in Southland and Invercargill. Combine your Invercargill holiday with a trip to other parts of New Zealand, or why not head over to Australia and explore more wonders of Australasia?
Great sample itineraries
Browse our selection of itineraries to get a taste of the exciting and adventurous activities that await you on your Invercargill holidays.
Private Tour Of Bay Of Islands New Zealand
Our New Zealand Getaway tour is a superb choice for first timers wanting to get a taste of the delights...
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Wildlife holidays
Self Drive Tour Of New Zealand South Island
Our self drive tour of New Zealand’s South Island takes in some of the area’s most spectacular destinations and packs...
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Self drive holidays
Auckland To Christchurch Tour
Set out on a New Zealand adventure and get a true taste for the country on an escorted New Zealand...
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Escorted tours holidays
Explore Invercargill and Southland
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“Book a ‘tramping’ tour of Stewart Island and spend two nights in the beautiful New Zealand countryside. The Rakiua Track is a must. It takes three days to trek and is one of New Zealand’s most famous. Experience the bush and enjoy lots of bird sightings – you might even see the rakiua kiwi.”
“New Zealand’s abundant oyster season runs from April to August. We highly recommend timing your visit to coincide with the Bluff Oyster Festival, which is held in May each year. You can try raw oysters raw, Kilpatrick oysters, enjoy oysters in pies or even deep-fried in batter.”
Local Cuisine
Get a flavour of the local culture through your palate during your Invercargill and Southland holiday. There is one speciality you must not miss.
Bluff Oysters
Bluff Oysters are available between March and August, primarily on the island of Bluff, which is an easy boat ride from Invercargill. These oysters are a New Zealand delicacy – and they’re rare (only 10 million oysters are fished out of the Foveaux Strait annually). Bluff Oysters are sweet and briny, with a tangy metallic finish. They are often served by themselves, with lemon or with Tabasco sauce.
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How we tailor make your holiday
The Hayes & Jarvis Way
We've been tailor making holidays for 65 years. With over 60 destinations to choose from, talk to us and we'll listen to your travel ideas to create unforgettable holiday experiences.