Yes, I absolutely chose that spot because of how un-epic it was. It’s all about the drama, ok?
Accomodation this time was an ibis Styles hotel, and I’m not sure whether I’ve stayed in one of those before. It was nice, and comfortable, but … A little odd?
Fairly standard hotel room; Bed, bathroom, little desk thingy with a chair. Also had a radiator & an enclosed fan, but I’m guessing both of those are needful things in The South.
Also had a kitchenette, with microwave & fridge & some basic kitchen utensils. This, I knew about from the booking.
And then there was this “Conference Room” on the floor; Not sure whether there was one like this on every floor, but the signs suggested that there was a something on every floor.
A full kitchen that was better than some hostel kitchens I’ve used. Actually, better than most hostel kitchens I’ve used, because it’s spaced out enough that you’re not in each others way all the time.
Then a dining area, and a lounge.
There was also a balcony with some patio furniture.
I never saw anyone in here, or any evidence that it had been used. I was only here for a few nights, so it’s not like I had much use for it either, but if I’m ever back in Invercargill for a stay, I know where I’m looking first.
Trying to capture the disparity between the classic 1880s Railway Hotel and the awful 1970s Railway Station. The disused railway station, because there are no passenger services to Invercargill anymore.
That said, there was a little farmers market & a food truck cluster on Sunday, and the red building at the end there was a café called The Pig Station which did a very nice breakfast, so they’re getting some use out of the building.
Various bits of artwork on buildings.
Views of Queens Park while out wandering around.
And something from the Invercargill library “community stuff” board. It seems like they’re leaning heavily into community building, at the library at least, I’m guessing as a way to keep the town feeling alive.
Overall, I enjoyed Invercargill, despite there not been a whole lot going on?
There’s a museum & art gallery, which was temporarily shut, and there’s a lot of motorcycle & general motorsports stuff, which … Isn’t entirely my thing? But the people were nice, and “where does this riverside park go” had useful results.