Seeking the best bars in Invercargill for a memorable night out in Southland? Invercargill’s bar scene blends traditional pubs, sports bars, and upscale venues with local beers, hearty meals, and welcoming atmospheres suited to locals and visitors alike. Standout options include Speight’s Ale House and Thar & Feather for authentic southern experiences.
1Speight’s Ale House
Speight’s Ale House Invercargill is the southernmost Speight’s venue in New Zealand, housed in a heritage building on Dee Street that dates back to the early 1900s. It pairs award-winning Speight’s ales with hearty southern fare in a lively setting featuring live sports and music. The venue suits beer enthusiasts, families, groups, and those seeking a classic Kiwi pub experience with southern hospitality.
Services
- Speight’s range of ales and beers including Gold Medal Ale, Triple Hop Pilsner, and Distinction Ale
- Hearty southern pub meals featuring local produce
- Live sports screenings and entertainment events
- Tasting trays and options for private functions
Highlights
- Southernmost Speight’s Ale House in New Zealand
- Heritage building renovated into Speight’s concept, opened in 2006
- Hosted by Shanan Te Maiharoa with a focus on southern style hospitality
- Part of Speight’s Brewery, New Zealand’s oldest operational brewery
Location & Contact
Name: Speight’s Ale House Invercargill
Address: 38 Dee St, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 214 5333
Website: speightsalehouseinv.co.nz
2Thar & Feather
Thar & Feather operates as a traditional Southland tavern and restaurant on the corner of McQuarrie Street and Elles Road, combining a sports bar with hearty dining. It offers an extensive menu alongside beers on tap in a relaxed setting with an open fire and outdoor courtyard. The venue suits locals, sports fans, families, and groups looking for southern hospitality and community vibes.
Services
- Extensive restaurant menu with pub classics and local ingredients
- Sports bar with beers on tap and TAB facilities
- Outdoor courtyard and cosy indoor spaces with open fire
- Courtesy coach service for guests
Highlights
- Emphasis on Southern hospitality with the motto “Never a customer, always a guest”
- Operated by ILT, a community-owned organisation
- Spacious outdoor area and winter fire feature
- Local tavern feel with good conversation and warm welcome
Location & Contact
Name: Thar & Feather
Address: Corner McQuarrie Street & Elles Road, Invercargill
Phone: 03 216 8094
Website: southlandtavern.co.nz
3360 Bar at The Langlands
360 Bar is the top-floor venue at The Langlands Hotel on Dee Street, offering panoramic city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It features a curated selection of cocktails, gin, and wines in a sophisticated R18 setting open Tuesday to Saturday. The bar suits couples, professionals, and visitors seeking an upscale experience with stunning vistas in the heart of Invercargill.
Services
- Curated cocktails, gin, and wine menu
- Floor-to-ceiling city views from the seventh floor
- Part of a hotel with multiple on-site eateries and bars
- Private or intimate gathering options
Highlights
- Panoramic views of Invercargill skyline
- Part of Qualmark Gold rated 4.5-star The Langlands Hotel
- Community-owned ILT operation supporting local employment
- Modern design with bespoke furniture and crafted menus
Location & Contact
Name: 360 Bar at The Langlands
Address: 59 Dee Street, CBD, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 214 0568
Website: thelanglands.co.nz
4Northern Tavern
Northern Tavern is a long-established sports bar on the corner of Sydney and St Andrew Streets, serving as a premier meeting place since 1956. It features multiple screens for live sports, TAB facilities, gaming, and a bottle store in a welcoming community atmosphere. The venue suits sports fans, locals, and groups seeking an authentic Invercargill pub experience with convenient amenities.
Services
- Live sports screenings on multiple screens
- TAB facilities and gaming machines
- Bottle store for beers, wines, and spirits
- Function and catering options available
Highlights
- Established in 1956 as a local meeting place
- Described as Invercargill’s “Best Country Pub in Town”
- Free courtesy coach service and ample on-site parking
- Operated by ILT with adjacent dining at The Saucy Chef
Location & Contact
Name: Northern Tavern
Address: Corner of Sydney and St Andrew Street, Invercargill
Website: northerntavern.co.nz
5Waikiwi Tavern
Waikiwi Tavern is a classic Kiwi pub located at the corner of Gimblett Street and North Road in the Waikiwi suburb, offering an authentic local experience. It serves an extensive menu of crowd-pleasing dishes alongside drinks, with entertainment including musical bingo, sports screenings, and self-service TAB. The venue suits families, locals, and groups looking for a relaxed pub atmosphere with convenient transport options.
Services
- Extensive pub menu including steak sandwiches, bangers and mash, and chicken parmi
- Drinks selection and self-service TAB facilities
- Entertainment such as Jingo musical bingo and sports on TVs
- Courtesy coach service and ample parking
Highlights
- Authentic Kiwi pub experience with crowd-pleasing menu
- Weekly Jingo musical bingo and live sports
- Courtesy coach for safe transport home
- Open seven days from 10am to late
Location & Contact
Name: Waikiwi Tavern
Address: Cnr Gimblett Street & North Road, Waikiwi, Invercargill
Phone: 03 215 9080
Website: waikiwitavern.co.nz
Bars in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Speight’s Ale House | Invercargill | Southernmost Speight’s Ale House in New Zealand |
| Thar & Feather | Invercargill | Emphasis on Southern hospitality with the motto “Never a customer |
| 360 Bar at The Langlands | CBD | Panoramic views of Invercargill skyline |
| Northern Tavern | Invercargill | Established in 1956 as a local meeting place |
| Waikiwi Tavern | Waikiwi | Authentic Kiwi pub experience with crowd-pleasing menu |
How to Choose the Right Bar in Invercargill
- Consider the ambiance, whether a traditional pub, sports bar with screens, or rooftop venue with views.
- Look for venues offering local Southland produce, craft beers like Speight’s, and regional wines for an authentic experience.
- Check for entertainment options such as live sports, TAB, musical bingo, or events to match your preferences.
- Evaluate facilities like outdoor courtyards, open fires, courtesy coaches, parking, or function spaces for groups or special occasions.
- Assess location and accessibility, including proximity to the CBD or suburbs and transport options within Invercargill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Bars
What types of bars can I find in Invercargill?
Invercargill offers a range of bars including traditional taverns, sports bars with TAB and gaming, cocktail and rooftop venues, and family-friendly pubs serving local fare and drinks.
Do Invercargill bars serve local food and beverages?
Yes, many venues feature Southland produce such as lamb and seafood alongside Speight’s ales, regional wines, and craft beers for a distinctly southern experience.
Are there late-night options in Invercargill?
Several bars stay open late, particularly sports bars and rooftop venues on weekends, though hours vary; always confirm directly with the venue for current trading times.
Do bars in Invercargill offer food?
Many operate as gastro pubs or restaurants with extensive menus of pub classics and local dishes, often available alongside drinks in the same venue.
Is it necessary to book ahead at bars in Invercargill?
Walk-ins are often welcome for casual visits, but booking is recommended for larger groups, functions, or popular evenings with entertainment or views.
What should I know about alcohol service in New Zealand bars?
Bars must comply with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, which sets rules for responsible service; check legislation.govt.nz for details on licensing and host responsibility.
Are there transport options for bar visits in Invercargill?
Many venues offer courtesy coach services, and taxis or rideshares are available; check individual sites for details on parking or shuttle options.
How We Chose the Best Bars in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for bars in Invercargill, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.