Invercargill

Sports and the Outdoors

Take a picture of yourself on some of the world's southernmost beaches and send it home. But Invercargill doesn't exactly have perfect tanning weather. Even during summer, the south can still get a few chilly days.

Oreti Beach. Oreti Beach, 11 km (7 mi) southeast of town, is too rough for swimming but people do surf and windsurf, taking advantage of the wind and swells that whip the coast almost constantly.

Sandy Point. A good walking spot is Sandy Point, which can be reached by taking a left after crossing the Oreti River on the way out to Oreti Beach. A 13-km (8-mi) network of easygoing trails covers the riverbanks, estuary, and the bush. A leaflet detailing the paths is available from the visitor information center in town.

Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. On the western side of the Southern Scenic Route, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is a challenging circular three-day, two-night walk that combines beach, bush, and subalpine environments in its 53 km (33 mi). The track starts near Tuatapere, about two hours' drive west of Invercargill and right on the edge of the Fiordland National Park. It's no amble; you'll spend about nine hours walking each day, but two good huts each sleep about 40 people. You'll need to buy hut tickets in advance. Guided walks begin at NZ$130; contact walkhumpridgetrack.co.nz for reservations. 31 Orawia Rd., Tutapere, Invercargill, 9620. 03/2266739. www.humpridgetrack.co.nz.