SOUTHLAND

Varied and quirky, a weekend away in Invercargill could see you visiting Chiaroni Gallery where Gregory McDonald, a Southland-born artist and Chiaroni descendant has reopened Invercargill’s original art gallery, first established by Ambrogio Chiaroni Snr. The local artists’ work has an innovative Kiwi feel to it. Get your walking shoes on and head to the heritage-listed Category 1 Water Tower, a prime example of Victorian architecture and engineering, and a local treasure. You can rev your engines when you view private truck and car museum, Bill Richardson Transport World with thousands of motor vehicles, motorcycles and petrol pumps, with a side exhibition of a wearable art collection which is displayed across this 15,000m2 lot. This passionate lifetime collection is truly impressive. For something different, pack your runners and get out for a run to Manapouri where Mother Nature is at her very best, and where you can take a boat tour on the island-studded Lake Manapouri or perhaps go kayaking and enjoy this unique corner of the world.