population: 0.05 million

extension: 3896 square kilometers

Museums

One museum you can visit in Invercargill is the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, which houses exhibits on local history, natural history, art, and culture. Another option is the Classic Motorcycle Mecca, a museum dedicated to vintage and classic motorcycles.

If you're interested in visiting other museums in the area, you might consider traveling up to Dunedin, which has several excellent museums. These include the Otago Museum, which features exhibits on natural history, science, and culture, and the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, which explores the region's history through interactive displays and exhibits.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes in Invercargill, New Zealand, according to locals are:

1. Bluff oysters: These are famous locally-harvested oysters that are considered a delicacy in Invercargill and around the country.

2. Whitebait fritters: This dish is made from tiny, translucent juvenile fish called whitebait, mixed with eggs and cooked into a fritter.

3. Meat pies: Invercargill is known for its delicious meat pies, which come in various flavors such as mince, steak and cheese, bacon and egg, and more.

4. Blue cod: This fish is found in the surrounding waters and is often served battered and fried.

5. Cheese rolls: A local specialty, cheese rolls are made by spreading a mixture of grated cheese, onion soup mix, and evaporated milk on bread, rolling it up, and baking until crispy.

6. Pavlova: A classic Kiwi dessert, pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

These dishes can be found at many local restaurants and cafes throughout Invercargill.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Invercargill include:

1. Visiting Queens Park, a large public park with walking trails, gardens, a golf course, and a zoo.
2. Watching a movie at Reading Cinemas, which has multiple screens showing the latest releases.
3. Going to E Hayes and Sons, a hardware store that also has a museum of vintage motorcycles and cars.
4. Exploring the Estuary Walkway, a scenic trail that follows the coastline and offers great views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.
5. Checking out the local markets, such as the Southland Farmers Market or the Invercargill Night Market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and food stalls.

These are just a few examples, but there are plenty of other activities and attractions to discover in Invercargill!