Invercargill is the southernmost city of New Zealand and the final stop for Te Araroa hikers before completing the trail at Bluff.

This is an industrial city with everything you might need to resupply, replace gear, stay and celebrate reaching the end of the trail.

I would recommend booking accommodation here for both the night you arrive in town and for the following day so you are able to leave unneeded gear behind and lighten your pack weight for the last days walk down to Bluff.

It is also possible to easily organise and catch public transport from here onwards after completing your hike.

Tip: Tuatara Backpackers Lodge is the most popular option for hikers reaching Invercargill and sell ‘trail finishers’ medals at reception.