Visit the Southland Museum & Art Gallery, also the home of Henry the Tuatara, the Roaring 40s Exhibition, art exhibitions and the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre. Take a short work through the city's public gardens - Queens Park. This 80-hectare park includes everything from two rose gardens, azalea garden, rhododendron dell, a playground, petting zoo, an aviary, indoor garden feature and an 18-hole golf course.

Ten kilometres from the city is Sandy Point, a 2000 hectare sand and shingle peninsula bound by the Oreri River and Foveaux Strait. Check out the walks, local flora, fauna and bird life, as well as human history at the Sandy Point Visitor Centre.

Visit Oreti Beach - filmset for the motion picture, The World's Fastest Indian starring Anthony Hopkins

After a day of exploring, unwind in Southern style. There's a smorgasboard of culinary delights, including Southland seafood, beef and lamb at any local restaurant. Overnight in Invercargill.

Morning trip to Bluff - Where the Highway Begins. Bluff is 22km south of Invercargill Stop in at the Bluff Maritime Museum and discover early history on whaling, oystering, shipwrecks and a working steam engine from the TST Awarua. Visit the Paua Shell House

Photo opportunity at the Bluff Signpost. Take a walk around to Whalers Point and, if your feeling energetic, hike to the top of Bluff Hill for panoromic views of the Southern Coastline and Stewart Island, or go for a horse ride at Omaui on your way back to Invercargill.