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Queens Drive, Invercargill
3.5 km
1 hour
30 metres
If you find yourself in the heart of Invercargill and need a break from the urban hum, you don’t have to look far. Thomsons Bush is a true local treasure—a 33-hectare slice of ancient New Zealand right in the middle of the city. Walking into this reserve feels less like entering a park and more like stepping through a portal into the past. It is a rare, precious remnant of the kahikatea-dominated swamp forest that once covered the entire Southland plain, and the moment you step under the canopy, the air cools, the noise of the city fades, and the scent of damp earth and moss takes over.
The beauty of the Thomsons Bush network is its sheer accessibility. Because the terrain is incredibly flat—with an elevation gain of only about 30 metres—it is the definition of an easy walk. Whether you are a seasoned hiker looking for a recovery stroll, a parent pushing a mountain-buggy, or someone just wanting to stretch their legs during a lunch break, this trail caters to everyone.
The network is roughly divided into two sections. On the eastern side of Queens Drive, you’ll find a shorter 700-metre loop that is perfect for a quick "nature fix." Crossing over to the western side, however, opens up a much larger web of tracks. These paths wind gracefully through towering kahikatea, matai, and ribbonwood trees. The ground is well-graded, meaning you won't be scrambling over roots or sinking into mud, though the forest floor stays delightfully lush.
One of the most charming aspects of the walk is the way the track skirts the Waihopai River. You’ll notice a peaceful backwater area—a remnant of the 1960s when the river was diverted to protect the city from flooding. Today, it’s a still, reflective body of water that adds a sense of deep stillness to the forest. As you loop back toward the main entrance near the playground, the track becomes wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that the magic of the bush is truly open to all members of the community.
The undisputed stars of Thomsons Bush are the ancient trees. Looking up at the kahikatea (New Zealand’s tallest native tree) is a humbling experience. These giants have stood watch over this land for centuries, and seeing them clustered here in such a significant remnant is a rare treat. Keep an eye out for the matai and the delicate ribbonwood, which add layers of texture to the forest canopy.
Parking is available off Queens Drive, which serves as the main access point. Additional pedestrian access points can be found from Preston Street and the Waihopai Walkway. For the Thomsons Bush East Loop, parking is along Queens Drive heading south.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2.6km away
A highly-rated cafe in Invercargill known for its quality breakfast and brunch options, often winning hospitality awards.
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Loop
For those interested in local engineering and history, the Waihopai River backwater is a must-see. It’s a great spot for a photo, especially on a still morning when the trees are perfectly mirrored in the water.
If you’re walking with children, the playground near the main entrance is a fantastic highlight. It’s a great way to reward the little ones after their "expedition" through the woods. Additionally, the educational signage dotted throughout the tracks is excellent. It’s not just "filler"—it tells the story of the biodiversity here, helping you identify the plants and understand why this specific ecosystem is so vital to Southland’s natural heritage.
Finding Thomsons Bush is incredibly straightforward, as it sits right on Queens Drive, one of Invercargill's main arterial roads.
The carparking is ample and free, making it a stress-free start to your walk.
Because Thomsons Bush is a protected ecological island in an urban sea, it has become a sanctuary for native birdlife. The "Friends of Thomsons Bush" and the local council have done a stellar job with pest control, and the results are audible the moment you enter.
The most common companion on your walk will be the Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These cheeky birds love to follow hikers, flitting about to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You are also very likely to hear the melodic chime of the Bellbird (Korimako) or the delicate "stitch-stitch" call of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro).
Tip: The best time for birdwatching is undoubtedly early morning or late afternoon. The "dawn chorus" in Thomsons Bush is surprisingly loud for a city-bound reserve!
To walk through Thomsons Bush is to walk through layers of history. Long before European settlers arrived, this area was known to local Māori as Taurakitewaru. It was a place of immense spiritual and practical significance—a "supermarket" and "pharmacy" providing food, medicine, and materials for weaving and building.
When J.T. Thomson mapped the area in 1857, the forest was vast. Sadly, within just two decades, much of the surrounding kahikatea forest was cleared for timber and farming. The fact that this 33-hectare block remains is a testament to the foresight of early residents who valued the Waihopai River area for picnicking and recreation.
Today, the Invercargill City Council and the Friends of Thomsons Bush work tirelessly to ensure this "living classroom" survives for another century. Their work in native planting and predator control means that today’s visitors are seeing a forest that is actually becoming healthier and more biodiverse as time goes on.
Invercargill has a fantastic cafe culture, and there are several spots nearby where you can refuel.
Thomsons Bush is more than just a walk; it’s a connection to the ancient soul of Southland. Whether you have an hour or a whole afternoon, it’s a place that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Spring-Summer
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