Finding the best equipment hire in Invercargill starts with matching the machine to the job, whether that is a mini digger for a backyard, a scissor lift for a warehouse fit-out or a bulldozer for farm earthworks. Equipment hire in Invercargill covers everything from DIY garden tools and trailers to access platforms, compaction gear and heavy plant, with depots in Grasmere, West Invercargill and out at West Plains. Local operators such as Invercargill Hire and Southland Machine Hire sit alongside national networks, so there is a fit for weekend projects and major contracts alike.
1Invercargill Hire
Invercargill Hire (iHire) is a locally owned general hire business that opened on Bond Street in July 2017. It rents equipment to roading and infrastructure contractors, light commercial and manufacturing customers, and DIY hirers, with a focus on keeping a young, reliable fleet. If a piece of gear is not in stock, the team will try to source it.
Services
- Access equipment hire
- Air and power equipment
- Construction equipment
- Earthmoving machinery, including excavators
- DIY tool hire
Highlights
- Locally owned, with manager and director Richard Marrah bringing over 25 years in the hire industry
- In-house workshop manager with over 20 years in hire who carries out servicing and on-site repairs
- Certification available for a range of working at height (EWP) equipment
- Transport service able to cart up to 14 tonne, including excavators and large machinery
Location & Contact
Name: Invercargill Hire
Address: 213 Bond Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 0800 247 7368
Website: invercargillhire.co.nz
2Hirepool Invercargill
Hirepool Invercargill is the local branch of the Hirepool equipment rental network, based on the corner of Bay and North Roads in Grasmere. It handles short and long term hire for weekend DIY jobs through to large construction projects, and services surrounding areas including Otatara, Kennington, Myross Bush, Waimatua and Lorneville.
Services
- Access hire, including scissor lifts, towable cherry pickers and telescopic booms
- Excavators, mini diggers and mini skid steer loaders
- Landscaping gear such as chainsaws, post hole borers, lawn mowers and log splitters
- Trailer hire, from furniture and cage trailers to transport trailers
- Concrete saws and general site equipment
Highlights
- Open Saturdays as well as weekdays
- Dedicated Portaloo Invercargill branch nearby for portable toilet hire
- Part of a national network, with trade account rates available
Location & Contact
Name: Hirepool Invercargill
Address: Cnr Bay and North Roads, Grasmere, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 215 9053
Website: hirepool.co.nz/branches/invercargill
3Kennards Hire Invercargill
Kennards Hire Invercargill operates from Bond Street in West Invercargill and supplies rental equipment and tools for residential, commercial, industrial and DIY projects across Southland. The branch team is trained to advise on the right gear for the job, with a strong emphasis on safety.
Services
- Access and earthmoving equipment
- Compaction and site equipment
- Landscaping tools and trailers
- Cleaning and floor care equipment
- Generators, heating, ventilation and cooling
Highlights
- After-hours returns available
- Early 6:30am weekday opening for trade customers
- Saturday trading hours
- Accredited and trained branch staff
Location & Contact
Name: Kennards Hire Invercargill
Address: 5 Bond Street, West Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 213 5160
Website: kennardshire.co.nz/branch/invercargill
4Southland Machine Hire
Southland Machine Hire is a family owned plant hire and heavy haulage business on Preston Street, started by Andy Tuffley over 45 years ago and now run by Wayne and John Tuffley. It suits contractors and farmers who need heavy earthmoving machinery, along with transport to get it on site.
Services
- Excavator hire from 8 to 20 tonne, including Sumitomo, Hitachi and Komatsu machines
- Bulldozer hire (Komatsu and Case)
- Bomag vibrating rollers and Komatsu and Hitachi loaders
- Tractor hire, including a tractor with post driver for fencing
- Heavy haulage, piloting and hi-ab with a qualified operator
Highlights
- Over 45 years in plant hire and heavy haulage
- South Island-wide, 24/7 callout service
- Member of the NZ Heavy Haulage Association
- Certified pilot on staff for oversize and overweight loads
- Weekend hire by arrangement
Location & Contact
Name: Southland Machine Hire
Address: 44 Preston Street, Invercargill
Phone: 03 215 7125
Website: machinehire.co.nz
5Southland Hire
Southland Hire is a locally owned equipment and tool hire business based at West Plains, on the northern edge of Invercargill. It rents diggers, trucks and landscaping and renovation gear to DIYers and contractors, and can also supply operators to do earthworks and landscaping jobs for you.
Services
- Digger hire, including a 1.7 tonne CAT on trailer and Kubota and Sumitomo excavators
- Fuso Canter city tipper truck and trailer hire
- Landscaping gear such as rotary hoe tillers, power rakes, hedge trimmers and chainsaws
- Building and renovation tools, including concrete saws, nail guns and scaffolding towers
Highlights
- Earthworks and landscaping services with skilled operators
- New driveway construction across Southland
- Online quote list for booking hire dates
- Same-day bookings by phone
Location & Contact
Name: Southland Hire
Address: 381 Bay Road, West Plains 9879
Phone: 021 124 4589
Website: southlandhire.co.nz
Equipment Hire in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Invercargill Hire | Locally owned, with manager and director Richard Marrah bringing over... |
| Hirepool Invercargill | Open Saturdays as well as weekdays |
| Kennards Hire Invercargill | After-hours returns available |
| Southland Machine Hire | Over 45 years in plant hire and heavy haulage |
| Southland Hire | Earthworks and landscaping services with skilled operators |
How to Choose the Right Equipment Hire in Invercargill
- Match the machine to the job: a 1.7 tonne mini digger suits a backyard, while bulk earthworks or farm tracks may need a 12 to 20 tonne excavator or a bulldozer.
- Check delivery and transport: ask whether the hire company can deliver heavy plant to site, and what it costs, or whether you need a suitable vehicle and towbar to collect it.
- Ask about operator options: some hire companies offer wet hire with a skilled operator, which can be safer and faster for unfamiliar machinery.
- Confirm hours and returns: early opening, Saturday trading and after-hours returns make a real difference on tight project timelines.
- Get safety guidance: for access equipment and diggers, ask for a proper handover and any training or certification needed before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Equipment Hire
How much does it cost to hire a digger in Invercargill?
Digger hire is usually priced per day or per half day, and the rate depends on machine size, attachments and whether delivery or an operator is included. Most Invercargill hire companies quote on request, so contact a few with your dates and job details for an accurate price.
Can I hire equipment in Invercargill for just a weekend?
Yes. General hire depots that open on Saturdays make weekend DIY hire straightforward. Booking popular items such as mini diggers, trailers and log splitters in advance is wise, especially in spring and autumn.
Do I need a licence or training to use hired machinery?
Requirements vary by machine. Towing heavy trailers or driving a tipper truck may need the right licence class, and elevated work platforms and diggers should only be used after proper instruction. WorkSafe New Zealand publishes guidance on working at height and safe use of mobile plant.
Which parts of Invercargill do the equipment hire depots cover?
Depots on this page sit in Grasmere, West Invercargill, central Invercargill and West Plains, and most serve the wider area including Otatara, Kennington, Myross Bush, Waimatua and Lorneville. For a job near you, pick the closest depot or ask about delivery to your address.
What is the difference between dry hire and wet hire?
Dry hire means you rent the machine and operate it yourself. Wet hire includes a skilled operator, which suits larger earthworks, hi-ab lifts or anyone unfamiliar with the equipment.
Can hire companies deliver heavy machinery to my site?
Many can. Local operators offer transport for excavators and large plant, and some provide heavy haulage and piloting for oversize loads. Ask for delivery and collection costs when you request a quote.
What should I check before hiring a generator or heater?
Confirm the power output you need, fuel type and run time, and ask how the unit should be ventilated and positioned. For general advice on hiring and your consumer rights, Consumer NZ is a useful starting point.
How We Chose the Best Equipment Hire in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for equipment hire in Invercargill, then checked against what the business publishes itself: its own website, or where it has none, its official social or booking page. Names, addresses and phone numbers come from those pages rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what the business says about itself. We also check that each one is still trading and is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business we can’t confirm from its own pages is not listed.