If you think Transport World's visitor attractions are just for petrolheads, think again!

Invercargill is home to the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world, Bill Richardson Transport World; the leading classic motorcycle museum in the Southern Hemisphere; and last but certainly not least, New Zealand's only heavy machinery playground, Dig This Invercargill.

All three Transport World visitor attractions are family-friendly. With interactive exhibits, on-site cafes, and displays that go far beyond wheels, both museum collections are a must-do with your family.

Meanwhile, Dig This Invercargill is grunty fun for everyone. Rides are available for ages 5+ and for little digger fans, the on-site sandpit (complete with ride-on machinery) is always a winner.

We highly recommend booking your tickets to Transport World's visitor attractions in advance - particularly at Dig This Invercargill, where spaces are limited.

You will also receive a discount for booking online. See the ticketing pages for each attraction for more information.

Invercargill and Southland weather is usually quite moderate: we might not get many 30-degree days, but we don't often see extremes at the other end either. Plus, our warm southern hospitality more than makes up for a rainy day!

While Invercargill weather in March and April is typically settled and warm, we unfortunately can't control the weather gods. In the event that we have a cold spell during the George Begg Festival, simply make sure you're dressed in light layers that can be added or taken off easily.

We're a hearty bunch here in Southland and we don't tend to let a little bit of rain bother us. The museum collections at both Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca are all-weather venues, as is Dig This: even if the weather isn't playing ball, you'll be nice and cosy in the heated cabs of our machinery.

Region-wide, Southland's weather can be completely different in one location to another. Those living in Winton or Central Southland will no doubt tell you their area is sunnier and warmer than in coastal areas like Invercargill.

Out in Western Southland - home to beautiful spots like Riverton, Orepuki and Tuatapere - the trees tend to grow horizontally because of the winter wind. But, trust us, you can't beat coastal Southland on a good day! Just visit beaches like Gemstone Beach, Monkey Island or Colac Bay and you'll see what we mean.

Heading further afield? If you are planning on visiting must-do destinations such as Fiordland/Piopiotahi or Stewart Island/Rakiura during your trip to Southland, make sure you are prepared for all sorts of weather: you might even encounter four seasons in one day.

Regardless of what the weather is doing outside, there is always plenty to do: bush walks around our region, for example, are beautiful even in a drizzle. Southland is spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic attractions and we know you'll love your experience here. We can't wait to welcome you.

The sooner, the better!

Invercargill has been blessed with some new accommodation options recently, such as The Langlands Hotel, but beds in Invercargill are always well-booked. 

Thinking about touring the South Island? We recommend booking your accommodation ASAP so you don't miss out.

Short answer: No.

Long answer: But you might want to!

There is going to be plenty of on and off-track action happening at the George Begg Festival. With so much to see and do, we recommend visitors stay in Southland for at least a few days to experience what our region has to offer.

With marquee destinations on our doorstep - Stewart Island, The Catlins, Fiordland - our region is well worth exploring. Take your time: this place is well worth a good look.