Western Suburbs

Heidelberg, Invercargill: Suburb Guide to Residential Life and Local Amenities

Last updated October 2026

Heidelberg is a residential suburb located in the southeastern part of Invercargill, New Zealand. It sits within the Southland region on the Southland Plains and offers a quiet suburban setting with convenient access to the city centre. The suburb features established housing stock alongside local green spaces and educational facilities that serve residents and families.

Official Suburb Facts

The official Heidelberg boundary. Boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Population (2023 Census)
About 2,380, up 4% since 2018
Land area
1.32 km²
Location
2.8 km south-east of central Invercargill
Council
Invercargill City Council
Local details
Getting there
BusSmart Invercargill buses, including the Hargest and Waverley routes, to the central BusSmart Hub
Nearby landmarks
Elizabeth Park, Elizabeth Park BMX track
Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. Population: Stats NZ 2023 Census usually resident population, CC BY 4.0, summed from the statistical areas inside the boundary.

Who Lives in Heidelberg

About 2,380 residents in 840 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.

Homes
Owned or in a family trust
63%NZ 66%
Rented
37%NZ 34%
Standalone houses
94%NZ 79%
Townhouses, units and flats
6%NZ 21%
Damp (always or sometimes)
19%NZ 18%
Mould larger than A4
13%NZ 14%
Source: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Heidelberg boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.

Schools in Heidelberg

Two schools sit inside the Heidelberg boundary. Some have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.

P
St Patrick's School (Invercargill)Years 1 to 6 · State-integrated · co-ed
Roll 282Zone covers this suburb
S
Aurora CollegeYears 7 to 13 · State · co-ed
Roll 578No zone

Also zoned for Heidelberg

P
Southland Adventist Christian SchoolYears 1 to 8 · State-integrated · co-ed
Roll 129Zone covers this suburb
P
St John's Girls' School (Invercargill)Years 1 to 8 · State-integrated · girls
Roll 126Zone covers this suburb
S
Verdon CollegeYears 7 to 13 · State-integrated · co-ed
Roll 684Zone covers this suburb
See school zones on the Invercargill Schools map

Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.

Bin Day in Heidelberg

Collection dayThursday
Bins out
by 7am on collection day
Red bin every weekOut on your collection day
Yellow bin every 2 weeksSame day as your red bin. You are on the Week 2 calendar.
Bin guide and drop-off points for Invercargill

Source: Invercargill City Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.

Safety and Hazards

Crime at homes, streets and public places
LowerInvercargill averageHigher

About the Invercargill average for the number of people who live here. Another 2 reports were at shops and businesses.

Theft 47%Burglary 30%Assault 22%

Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary).

Weather and Rent at a Glance

Sunshine1,765 hrsa year
Summer high19°Caverage, January and February
Winter high10°Caverage, July
Typical rent$490 a weekmedian, all homes, Invercargill City

Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.

In Heidelberg

Places and businesses inside the official Heidelberg boundary.

Places

About Heidelberg

Heidelberg lies southeast of Invercargill city centre and forms part of the city’s southern residential areas.

Heidelberg lies southeast of Invercargill city centre and forms part of the city’s southern residential areas. The suburb occupies flat terrain typical of the Southland Plains, with a history tied to the broader agricultural development of the region.

Elizabeth Park provides a major local green space covering more than 14 hectares. The park includes a playground and Invercargill’s primary BMX track, supporting family recreation and outdoor activities for residents.

Aurora College serves as the local secondary school, offering education with community-focused programs. Primary options nearby include schools such as St Patrick’s School and Ascot Community School.

Public transport connects Heidelberg to central Invercargill through BusSmart services. Current routes include Hargest and Waverley, with services operating on weekdays and Saturdays from the BusSmart Hub.

Location and Access

Heidelberg occupies a position that balances suburban quiet with proximity to Invercargill amenities.

Heidelberg occupies a position that balances suburban quiet with proximity to Invercargill amenities. Major roads provide straightforward connections to the city centre and surrounding areas.

The suburb falls within the Invercargill City Council area, with services and infrastructure managed at the city level. Essential facilities such as healthcare and shopping are accessible via short drives or bus routes.

Demographics and Housing

The suburb reflects the broader demographic mix of Invercargill City, including European and Māori communities.

The suburb reflects the broader demographic mix of Invercargill City, including European and Māori communities.

Housing in Heidelberg consists of a mix of established family homes and other residential properties. Property market information is available through real estate platforms, with demand influenced by the suburb’s location and amenities.

Near Heidelberg

Just outside Heidelberg, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.

Places

Show 2 more places

Businesses

Explore all Invercargill businesses

Where to Learn More

Wikipedia Heidelberg, New Zealand: Overview of suburb history, location and census population data.

Invercargill City Council Elizabeth Park page: Details on park facilities, size and access points.

Aurora College website: Information on the local secondary school and programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Elizabeth Park located?
Elizabeth Park is a large reserve in the Heidelberg area of South Invercargill, with car parks on John Street and Lime Street.

Which schools serve Heidelberg?
Aurora College provides secondary education, while nearby primary schools include St Patrick’s School and Ascot Community School.

Are there bus services in Heidelberg?
Yes, BusSmart Invercargill operates routes including Hargest and Waverley that connect the suburb to the city centre.

What recreational facilities are available locally?
Elizabeth Park offers a playground and the city’s main BMX track for outdoor recreation.

Is Heidelberg part of Invercargill City?
Yes, Heidelberg is a recognised suburb within the Invercargill City Council area in the Southland region.

What is Heidelberg’s best-known landmark?
Elizabeth Park, a large reserve with a playground and Invercargill’s main BMX track, is the suburb’s best-known landmark.

Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.

Explore Invercargill only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Heidelberg is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.