Invercargill

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Invercargill

General Information
Name	Invercargill
Native Name	Waihōpai
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	46°24 S°168
Map
Population
Total	57,100
Density	per km²
Area
Total	491.3 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Invercargill (Māori: Waihōpai) is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial center of the Southland Region and is located in the southwestern corner of the South Island.

History

Invercargill was founded in 1856 and named after William Cargill, a prominent figure in the early settlement of Otago. The city was established as a service center for the surrounding agricultural region, which was rapidly developing due to the fertile land and favorable climate.

Geography

Invercargill is situated on the Southland Plains, near the Oreti River and the New River Estuary. The city is approximately 18 kilometers north of Bluff, which is the southernmost town in New Zealand. The climate is temperate oceanic, with cool summers and mild winters, and the city experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year.

Economy

The economy of Invercargill is primarily based on agriculture, with dairy farming, sheep farming, and forestry being significant contributors. The city also has a growing manufacturing sector, with industries such as food processing and engineering. Tourism is an emerging sector, with visitors attracted to the natural beauty of the surrounding areas, including Fiordland National Park and Stewart Island.

Education

Invercargill is home to several educational institutions, including the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), which offers a range of vocational and degree programs. The city also has a number of primary and secondary schools, both public and private.

Culture and Recreation

Invercargill has a vibrant cultural scene, with several museums, art galleries, and theaters. The Southland Museum and Art Gallery is a notable institution, housing exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the region. The city is also known for its parks and gardens, such as Queens Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities.

Transport

Invercargill is well-connected by road, with State Highway 1 running through the city. The Invercargill Airport provides domestic flights to major cities in New Zealand. The city also has a public transport system, with buses serving the urban area.

Also see

• Southland Region
• Bluff, New Zealand
• Fiordland National Park
• Stewart Island
• Southern Institute of Technology