Invercargill is the most southerly city in New Zealand and gateway to the magnificent Southland district. The city achieved worldwide fame as one of the locations for the 2006 movie The World’s Fastest Indian starring Anthony Hopkins and contains some interesting 19th Century and early 20th Century architecture, beautiful parks, a good choice of food and an excellent craft brewery. And no visit to this part of the world is complete without sampling some Bluff oysters. Invercargill is the stepping off point for trips to Stewart Island, the country’s third largest island, and the wild and remote Catlins Coast – a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers and other outdoor types.

Who goes there: Phoenix Reisen, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Azamara Club Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Noble Caledonian, Cunard, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, Lindblad Expeditions, Costa Crociere, Mitsu O.S.K Lines, Compagnie du Ponant, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Haag-Lloyd.

Cruisers like: Food lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied in Invercargill. A guided tour of the Invercargill Brewery is a must, while the Blue River Dairy and the Seriously Good Chocolate Company should also feature on your itinerary. Fans of the Anthony Hopkins movie The World’s Fastest Indian can visit E Hayes Motorworks which houses Burt Munro’s original 1920 Indian Scout. Golfers can test their skills at the Oreti Sands Links – the most southerly 18-hole course in the world. The city has a fine collection of public buildings, such as the Victorian-era Water Tower and the grandiose Civic Theatre. Special architectural hours are available.

Best for: Bird watchers, anglers, architecture enthusiasts, Anthony Hopkins fans, cyclists, hikers, kayakers and other outdoor types.

Getting around: Cruise ships arrive at the Port of Bluff, 30kms from Invercargill. There are several transport options, including buses and taxis. Invercargill is a flat city so it’s easy to walk or cycle – there are good cycle lanes.