Last updated October 2026
Prestonville is a small suburb and industrial area within Invercargill, New Zealand. It sits on low-lying land on the Southland Plains near the Waihopai River. The suburb features a mix of residential properties and industrial sites.
Residents experience a quiet setting shaped by its proximity to the river and past industrial activity. Flood protection measures, including banks installed after major events, help manage risks in this part of the city.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 190, up 3% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.77 km² (77 ha)
- Location
- 3.1 km north of central Invercargill
- Council
- Invercargill City Council
Practical Information
| Nearby landmarks | Waihopai River, New River Estuary |
Who Lives in Prestonville
About 190 residents in 80 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
In Prestonville
Places and businesses inside the official Prestonville boundary.
Places
About Prestonville
Prestonville lies within the city of Invercargill and combines residential housing with industrial land use. Its position on the fertile Southland Plains places it close to the Waihopai River and the New River estuary, contributing to its scenic yet low-lying character.
The suburb experienced significant flooding in 1984 when the Waihopai River burst its banks. Water inundated the area, causing property damage and prompting the installation of flood banks for future protection. Ongoing climate considerations include sea level rise risks for this part of Southland.
In the 1980s an aluminium processing plant operated in Prestonville to support the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter. Local campaigns successfully restricted its operating hours due to noise, and the facility closed in 1994.
Today Prestonville remains a low-density area with a stable, small resident base. It forms part of the wider Prestonville-Grasmere statistical area and reflects the broader residential and industrial patterns of Invercargill.
Demographics
The median age was 45.4 years. Ethnicities included 88.9% European/Pākehā, 22.2% Māori, 11.1% Pasifika and 11.1% other groups, with individuals able to identify with more than one ethnicity.
Median personal income stood at $26,800. Employment data showed 37.5% in full-time work, 12.5% in part-time roles and 12.5% unemployed among those aged 15 and over. No residents held a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification at the time of the census.
Environmental Considerations
Prestonville’s low-lying location makes it vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise. Flood banks installed after the 1984 event provide protection, while regional authorities continue to monitor and maintain stormwater infrastructure, including pump stations in the suburb.
Winter air quality in Invercargill can be affected by home heating emissions, a regional issue addressed through ongoing environmental initiatives in Southland.
Near Prestonville
Just outside Prestonville, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Prestonville, New Zealand: Detailed suburb overview with census data and historical notes.
Invercargill City Council: Official information on local services, stormwater and community planning.
Stats NZ: Census data and demographic summaries for Prestonville and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prestonville known for?
Prestonville is a small suburb and industrial area in Invercargill, notable for its low-lying position near the Waihopai River and its history of aluminium processing.
Did Prestonville experience major flooding?
Yes, the Waihopai River flooded the suburb in 1984, leading to the installation of flood banks that remain in place today.
What happened to the aluminium plant in Prestonville?
A 24-hour aluminium processing plant operated in the 1980s to support the Tiwai Point smelter. Community campaigns limited its hours, and it closed in 1994.
Is Prestonville at risk from sea level rise?
Its low-lying location places it at risk from sea level rise, as noted in local assessments.
Who manages services in Prestonville?
Invercargill City Council oversees local services including stormwater management and bin collections.
Are there parks or recreational areas in Prestonville?
The suburb offers limited dedicated green space, with residents accessing nearby Invercargill parks and river areas for recreation.
What is the housing like in Prestonville?
Prestonville features a mix of standalone homes and some industrial-adjacent properties, typical of a small mixed-use suburb.
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Explore Invercargill only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Prestonville is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.