About Gore

1878 Rogers K92 Steam Loco.  Running on the Waimea Highway.

15 and 16 April

6 and 7 May

10-3pm.  Adults  $5. Children $2.50

Bayleys tussock country 26 May -  5 June 2023

There’s plenty of beautiful walks to do in and around Gore, Dolamore Park (and Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve) is an ideal spot. There’s a range of walks there, mostly pleasant and easy for all the family and ranging from 10 minutes to 4 hours. There’s a waterfall on the Whisky Creek walk, and mountain biking is available in the area. There’s a playground, wildlife, and spectacular views of the Mataura Valley. Check out the Doc website for more info on the tracks and wildlife.

No matter the season, there’s always something to see at Gore Public Gardens and Bannerman Park. In November, the peony border is spectacular at the Gore Public Gardens. The aviary attracts a lot of interest and the Rhododendron Festival in October is always a delight. Bannerman Park is beautiful in spring with daffodils, camellias and cherry blossom. The park also has beautiful autumn colours.

The Mataura River is reputedly the best brown trout fishing river in the world. Locals are only too happy to share it with you. Match wits with one of the wily local trout. There are other excellent fishing waters nearby. For a memorable day on the river you could engage the services of a knowledgeable local guide.

The Hokonui Heritage Centre is on Hokonui Drive. Located in Gore's heritage precinct, the heritage centre incorporates the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, the Gore Historical Museum and the busy Hokonui Heritage Research Centre. An added service to those with a hands-on interest in local history, the centre has resources designed for those wishing to undertake local history or genealogical research. Its an invaluable service if you have ancestors in the area.

This complex makes us the envy of many other communities. It contains a heated swimming pool, covered courts and an Olympic sized ice skating rink. There are also covered netball and tennis courts. Adjacent is an artificial hockey turf. This is a link to the swim centre, if you go to the Gore DC website you can find info on the ice skate rink and hockey turf.

Part of the Hokonui Heritage Centre, this museum celebrates Gore's social history with a variety of displays and special collections. A wide range of items and information cover the arrival of southern Maori, early European settlers, and the resulting enterprise that made the District unique.

Located 20 minutes north of Gore. This museum houses the largest collection of vintage tractors in the South. A little hidden treasure for any machinery enthusiasts out there.

The Gore Moonshine Museum (where you can even purchase some of the original recipe moonshine!). Gore has long been associated with the making of illicit whisky in the nearby Hokonui Hills in the 1800s and early 1900s. See the full story revealed in the numerous exhibits in this wonderful museum. The stuff of legends! Located at the Gore Information Centre on Hokonui Drive.

The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre is located on the Mandeville airfield, it’s a 10-minute drive north of Gore. Here you can see antique De Havilland aircraft being restored. Fly in one of the venerable Tiger Moth planes that are available for hire. Visit the outstanding Miss Cocoa Coffee at the Moth cafe while you are there.

Nicknamed the ‘Goreggenheim’ by Saatchi & Saatchi boss Kevin Roberts, the Eastern Southland Gallery is a regional public art museum, situated in the Arts and Heritage Precinct of Gore’s CBD. A community cultural centre which hosts exhibitions, performances and projects of a variety of artists. Currently it hosts the internationally famous John Money collection.

If you’re interested in local history, or vintage machinery from the region, this is a great place to visit.  Located at 59 Northumberland St, Tapanui 9522

Hokonui Pioneer Village is a model historic town with cottage, bank, church and school. The vintage machinery museum contains a variety of tools and machines of yesteryear. Agricultural and Historical Display Centre. Waimea Street, North Gore. Open 7 days 2 - 4pm. Group Bookings available.

Free Whiskey tasting on 6,13,20,27 March at 7.00pm.  Hokonui Moonshine Museum

19 March from 11.00-3.30pm.  Meet at the Woolwich Street by the river