
Invercargill Water Tower
An iconic 1889 red-brick water tower, standing 31.5m tall, a unique historical landmark in Invercargill.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Invercargill Water Tower
Best Time
Best for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic 1889 red-brick water tower, standing 31.5m tall, a unique historical landmark in Invercargill.
"The never-disappointing Invercargill Water Tower is the most satisfying of all NZ's famous attractions."

📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos of this unique landmark, especially with the red brick against a blue sky.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Free parking is available directly opposite the tower, making it easy to stop and admire.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Red-Brick Tower
A striking 31.5-meter tall red-brick structure, a testament to 1889 engineering and design.

Architectural Details
Admire the intricate brickwork and historical design that disguises the original water tank.

Panoramic Views (Past)
Though no longer accessible, it once offered a unique 360-degree view of the city.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos of this unique landmark, especially with the red brick against a blue sky.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Free parking is available directly opposite the tower, making it easy to stop and admire.
🖼️ Art Inspiration
The tower has inspired local artists, with paintings and commissions being a popular theme.
💡 Historical Context
Learn about its construction in 1889 to disguise a water tank and provide pressure.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos of this unique landmark, especially with the red brick against a blue sky.
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Free parking is available directly opposite the tower, making it easy to stop and admire.
🖼️ Art Inspiration
The tower has inspired local artists, with paintings and commissions being a popular theme.
💡 Historical Context
Learn about its construction in 1889 to disguise a water tank and provide pressure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Invercargill Water Tower for its striking red-brick architecture and historical significance, noting it as a picturesque landmark and a satisfying attraction. While it's not accessible for climbing, its visual appeal and convenient free parking make it a worthwhile stop for photos and a glimpse into Invercargill's past.
"Nice architecture to take a look and capture some photo moments. There are free parking opposite that you can park."
Michael
"Beautiful architecture. It is managed by water works. Not able to go in and kept clean. Still standing strong for an old tower."
MT
"Invercargill is built on almost entirely flat land. A major landmark in Invercargill, is the Water Tower which was built in 1889.
It was built to support the city’s first high-pressure water supply tank. It was designed by consulting engineer William Sharp, and built by Matthew and Hugh Mair.
Water towers are located on high ground to provide enough pressure to send water into a municipal water supply with enough force to supply all the customers in the immediate vicinity.
It comprises 300,000 bricks and is 42.6 metres high landmark . New Zealand suffered many great fires.
In the late 1880s the Invercargill Borough Council decided to build a water tower on part of the green belt.
Ratepayers wanted the tower but not an eye-sore on the town belt, architect-engineer William Sharp suggested blunting criticism by disguising the 300,000-litre steel tank with an elaborate brick tower.
Earthquakes don't kill but buildings do.
The building has been declared a 'earthquake-prone' hazard which constitutes a major risk to public safety and infrastructure. It includes a threat to the continuous operation of the city's main pump station.
Both the Water Tower and the control building are category one historic buildings, and at the moment have a rating of 25 percent of the national building standard.
The council basically don't want to pay to fix it because it will cost ($) millions to strengthen it.
It is ready to fall down in the next big magnitude earthquake.
In the last 12 million years the Southern Alps have been uplifted by an amazing 20 kilometres! The Alpine Fault has ruptured four times in the past 900 years."
W R Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Invercargill Water Tower is centrally located in Invercargill. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available directly opposite the tower. Public transport options might be limited, so driving or a taxi is recommended.
Yes, due to its height and unique structure, the Invercargill Water Tower is a prominent landmark and easy to spot within the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Invercargill Water Tower is free. It's an outdoor landmark that you can view and photograph from the outside.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the Invercargill Water Tower. It is managed by water works and is not open to the public for entry.
As an external landmark, the Invercargill Water Tower can be viewed at any time. However, for the best experience and photography, daylight hours are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer the best light for photographing the Invercargill Water Tower. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful warm light on the red bricks.
The area directly opposite the tower provides excellent vantage points for capturing its full height and architectural details.
You can capture classic shots of the tower itself, details of the brickwork, and even incorporate it into wider city shots given Invercargill's flat terrain.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Invercargill Water Tower was constructed in 1889, making it a significant historical landmark.
It was built to disguise a steel water tank and provide the city with its first high-pressure water supply.
The tower stands at an impressive 31.5 meters (approximately 42.6 meters including the tank) high and is constructed from around 300,000 bricks.
Yes, both the Water Tower and its control building are Category 1 historic buildings, recognized for their architectural and historical significance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Landmark of Invercargill
The tower's distinctive red-brick facade, comprising approximately 300,000 bricks, stands at 31.5 meters high. It's a striking visual element in Invercargill's otherwise flat landscape, making it a prominent landmark visible from various points in the city. Its architectural style reflects the era, offering a glimpse into the past and the engineering capabilities of the late 19th century.
While the tower is no longer accessible to the public, its historical and architectural importance is recognized. It has been declared a Category 1 historic building, highlighting its value to New Zealand's heritage. Despite some concerns about its seismic rating, the tower remains a beloved and iconic feature of Invercargill, inspiring local artists and drawing the attention of visitors.
The Tower's Architectural Ingenuity
This approach not only served the practical need for water pressure but also created a landmark that blended into the urban environment. The 300,000 bricks used in its construction were meticulously laid to form a robust and attractive exterior. The tower's height was essential for generating sufficient water pressure to serve the entire municipality, a common principle in water tower design.
Today, the tower stands as a testament to the thoughtful urban planning of its time. Its enduring presence and unique design continue to captivate visitors and locals alike, serving as a picturesque backdrop for photographs and a reminder of Invercargill's historical development.

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