Whats On
It's shaping up to be a cracker of a weekend in Southland, and Saturday's looking good: fine with light winds, a high of 21 and a low of 9, and no rain expected. So get out there and make the most of it.
First up, Saturday is the final day of PetSmart's 34th Birthday Sale. Pop into PetSmart on the corner of Deveron and Spey Streets, but be quick, because it wraps up at 2pm. That's petsmart.nz.
If you love a bargain, the SIT Garage Sale is on from 9 till midday at 150 Tay Street, opposite the main SIT campus. There's everything from tradie tools and ladders to office gear: chairs, filing cabinets, storage shelves, beds and tables. Cash and EFTPOS are both fine.
The big one on Saturday is the Southern Highland Showdown, from 10:30 at the Ascot Park Hotel grounds. It's free, with Highland dancing, pipe bands, strongman, the Kilted Mile, tug o' war, and a bouncy castle for the kids.
At 1pm, head down to the Invercargill Public Library for the launch of "Tim's Final Chapter". It's Margaret Evans' book on Sir Tim Shadbolt's last decade as mayor, and it's free to go along.
And Uncle Winston's in town! Winston Peters and New Zealand First are holding a public meeting from 2 till 3 at Southland Boys' High.
Those are our highlights. For everything else, head to our What's On section.
Saturday 10 October
Wallacetown Town Garage Sale.
8:30am–4pm. Maps are a gold coin from Murphy's Dairy, with proceeds to Wallacetown School.
Te Anau Spring Flower Show.
9am–3pm at Fiordland Community Events Centre.
$5 adults and kids free; it's the 52nd year.
SIT Garage Sale.
9am–12pm, 150 Tay Street (opposite the main SIT campus), Invercargill. Everything from tradie tools and ladders to office gear: chairs, filing cabinets, storage shelves and units, beds and tables. Cash and EFTPOS.
SHADBOLT: Tim's Final Chapter book launch – 1pm, Invercargill Public Library. Free. Margaret Evans' book on Sir Tim's last decade as mayor. Read more: Shadbolt's Final Years Get The Big Book
PetSmart's 34th Birthday Bash.
Final day, ends 2pm Saturday, corner of Deveron & Spey Streets, Invercargill.
Storewide birthday sale: 15–20% off all pet food, 15% off frozen raw, 50% off the clearance room and 15–20% off everything else.
Petsmart.nz, Your Local Pet Experts Celebrating 34 Years. Corner of Deveron & Spey Street, Invercargill
The Southern Highland Showdown.
10:30am–5:30pm, Ascot Park Hotel grounds. Free entry.
Wood chopping, caber toss and archery from 10:30am, strongman at noon, pipe bands and tug o' war from 1:30pm, the Kilted Mile at 4pm and a strongman vehicle pull at 5pm. Plus Highland dancing, medieval battle re-enactments, a whisky and beer tent, Scottish food and a free bouncy castle. Read more: Invercargill Gets Its First Highland Showdown
Public meeting with Winston Peters
Uncle Winston is in town. 2–3pm, Southland Boys' High.
Brunch & Lunch
Waxy's Irish Pub – Kids Dine Free every Sunday (T's & C's apply), 90 Dee Street, Invercargill. See the menu.
Speight's Ale House – lunch from 11am daily, 38 Dee Street, Invercargill. Hearty southern fare, from eggs benedict and a full breakfast to a roast pork.
Buster Crabb – brunch and lunch from 11:30am daily, 326 Dee Street, Invercargill. All-day breakfast, a mid-day menu and local produce, from Foveaux blue cod to chargrilled steaks. Phone 03 214 4214.
Bánh Mì Vietnamese Street Food – lunch from 11am daily, Shop 5, Invercargill Central, 39 Esk Street, Invercargill (just inside the main Esk Street entrance). Authentic Vietnamese street food, from freshly baked bánh mì baguettes to dine-in lunches. Fully licensed. Phone 0800 843 8626.
Sunday 11 October
Southern Farmers Market.
9:30am–1:30pm at the Railway Station on Leven St. On rain or shine.
Southland BMX Have a Go Day.
2pm, Southland BMX Club track, Elizabeth Park (Lime Street entrance), Invercargill. Come and give BMX a go.
On both days
Crafters @ Latitude 46 Craft Market – 10am–4pm Saturday and Sunday, Southland Indoor Bowls Centre, 50 Onslow Street, Invercargill. Almost 80 stalls of locally made crafts, from knitting and homeware to upcycled clothing, art and 3D-printed creations. Free entry, cash only (no EFTPOS). Enter to win their hamper on the day.
ILT Murihiku Art Awards exhibition.
11am–2:30pm at He Waka Tuia. Free, 67 finalist works.
Read more: Laura Allen Wins Top Southland Art Award
Art Challenge 2026 exhibition.
10am–4pm at Te Hīkoi Museum, Riverton. $4 adults.