bp Invercargill: Petrol, Car Wash & Tales from a Kiwi Stop
This article delves into the reviews and experiences surrounding the BP station located at 163 Tay Street, Invercargill, New Zealand. With a current rating of 3.0, this BP offers a range of services including petrol, diesel, a car wash, and various convenience store items. However, recent reports paint a mixed picture, raising questions about its future and overall customer experience. Let's unpack what people are saying - the good, the bad, and the downright concerning.
Permanent Closure & Google Maps Confusion - Is it Worth the Trip?
The most significant and consistently recurring theme in recent reviews centres around the station’s permanent closure. Multiple customers have reported being directed to the location by Google Maps only to find it closed, with one reviewer stating they were sent there for a second time after another BP station visit incorrectly displaying open hours. This is proving to be a significant frustration.
“This place is closed, never to open again. Needs to be removed from Google maps. I got sent to two BP stations in town by Google maps that have closed, one of them 8 months ago. Wasted 25min of my time.”
The critical issue highlights a potential disconnect between Google Maps data and the reality on the ground. Users are strongly advised to verify the station’s operational status before making the journey. It's becoming increasingly apparent that this BP station is no longer a reliable option for petrol or convenience needs in Invercargill.
Key Takeaways Regarding Closure & Navigation:
- Confirmed Permanent Closure: Numerous reviewers report the BP station is permanently closed.
- Google Maps Inaccuracy: Google Maps appears to be displaying outdated and incorrect opening hours.
- Time Wastage: Customers are experiencing significant frustration and wasted time due to inaccurate mapping data.
- Recommendation: Do not rely on Google Maps for this location. Verify its status independently.
The Ups and Downs of Service & Store Conditions
Beyond the closure concerns, a diverse range of experiences have been reported regarding the service and general conditions of the BP station. While some have praised the welcoming and helpful staff, others have raised serious issues about hygiene and accurate pricing.
Positive Experiences:
- One reviewer specifically commended a young employee for their "great service," describing them as "talkative and so polite and happy!" This highlights the impact of positive employee interactions.
Negative Experiences & Concerns:
- Ice Cream Issues: Several customers reported problems with the ice cream selection, noting that it was “pretty much defrosted” and that many items had packaging damaged. This suggests potential hygiene and stock rotation issues.
- Pricing Discrepancies: One customer was overcharged for a four-pack of drinks, with an advertised price of $9 being charged at $15. While a refund was eventually provided, it required intervention and highlighted a concern regarding accurate pricing.
- Rudeness: At least one reviewer indicated experiencing “rude staff” and claimed the cashier closed the shop 5 minutes prior to the displayed closing time.
- Car Wash Warning: Important: A recurring warning has been issued regarding the car wash, with users advising, "Don't use the car wash as it'll scratch your car. Use at your own risk. Water wash only." Users strongly suggest avoiding the car wash due to potential damage.
Facilities & Payment Options – What to Expect (or Not)
The BP station at 163 Tay Street boasts a range of facilities aimed at customer convenience. However, limitations in payment options warrant consideration.
Available Facilities:
Facility | Details |
---|---|
Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible restroom available. |
Offerings | Diesel gas, Full service gas, Propane exchange, Car wash |
Amenities | ATM, Gender-neutral restroom, Restroom |
Payments | Debit cards accepted. NFC mobile payments accepted. Credit cards are not accepted. |
Important Considerations:
- Credit Card Payment Issue: The absence of credit card payment options is a significant drawback for some customers, especially those who prefer or rely on credit card transactions. Ensure you have debit or NFC payment capabilities before visiting.
- Car Wash Limitations: The car wash operates as a "water wash only" service, which may not provide the thorough cleaning desired by some users. Combined with the scratching warnings, this makes it a risky option.
A Mixed Legacy – Will it be Missed?
The overall sentiment surrounding this BP station is complicated by its impending or current closure and the mixed bag of experiences documented by customers. While some appreciate the helpful staff and convenient offerings, others have encountered significant issues with cleanliness, pricing, and service quality. The numerous reports of inaccurate Google Maps data have only exacerbated the frustration. The station’s permanent closure appears to be a matter of certainty, and while some reviews express a lack of regret regarding its closure ("No great loss"), others highlight the loss of a previously reliable petrol stop in the Invercargill area. The varied reviews offer a snapshot of what was, and what may no longer be, a key service point for residents and travellers in Invercargill.