Forest Walks and Picnic Area
Located 11km from Gore at the south-west end of the Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve, on the lower slopes of the Hokonui Hills, Dolamore Park offers something for everyone.
The park features 95 hectares of native podocarp forest, expansive lawn areas and a range of exotic plantings encased by stone wall terracing. Over 500 mature Rhododendrons make a spectacular show in spring. |
Eastern Southland Gallery
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 central business district.
Throughout its 35 year history the Gallery has maintained a vibrant and energetic annual programme of exhibitions, performances, workshops, lectures, master-classes, and artist-in-residence projects, utilising key national and international artists, writers, musicians and performers. |
Cycling
Cycling is an wonderful way to experience New Zealand. It is fun, inexpensive, refreshing and good for the environment. Riding a bicycle is a healthy, low impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Explore the local Gore countryside, the museums, the forests and the cycle tracks when you stay at Croydon Lodge in Southland. Go for a ride before returning to the Blazing Copper Kettle Restaurant for a delicious dinner with friends and family. |
Fishing
The Mataura River is an internationally renowned river for trout fly fishing. The Mataura has the highest brown trout population and catch rates of any New Zealand river.
Head to the river with a local fishing guide or rent gear from a local sports shop and head to the river on foot. The region offers many skilled and experienced guides who can customise a fishing trip to suit you. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, these local guides will help you land your dream fish and create life-long memories. |
Gardens
Located in Gore's town belt, this was Gore's original public garden. The land was set aside in 1874, but not laid out until 1906 by David Tannock, of Dunedin, who was responsible for the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
The garden features many mature trees such as the gigantic Wellingtonia and two horizontal elms. Visitors will find exotic trees and shrubs, including several rare and unusual specimens in the extensive conifer border. |
Movies
The St James Theatre in Gore offers excellent movie screening facilities, not to mention the great ice creams and fresh popcorn. The main auditorium seats 450 people and smaller auditorium seats 78 people.
The theatre plays the latest blockbuster and family friendly releases, as well as art house films. The auditorium has excellent quality sound and the latest digital and 3D technology. |
More Things To Do
Enjoy a game of Pool/8-Ball in the Lodge Public Bar.
Visit the MLT Sports Centre for a swim, ice skating and indoor tennis. Please find website links for more "Activities" information: 1. Southland NZ Website 2. Gore District Council 3. NZ Pocket Guide 4. Trip Advisor |
Local Events
Hokonui Fashion Design Awards
These Awards are firmly established as a key event on the national fashion calendar and continue to attract entries and interest from throughout New Zealand.
Since 1988 the MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards have been a competitive platform for all amateur designers, and have provided a valuable opportunity for both experienced and emerging participants to display their designs before a panel of high profile judges, and latterly audiences of over 1100 people. |
New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards
Every year for the last 44 years Gore has hosted the MLT New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards.
This event attracts artists from around the world and continues to grow in stature and popularity. Audience levels reach over 5,000 and the entries in all sections and events total 700 competitors. Visitors to Gore leave with fond memories of the ‘Southern Hospitality’. |
Freeze Ya Bits Off
Every year at Queen’s Birthday weekend, buskers take to the streets of Gore for literally the coolest busking competition in New Zealand. Freeze Ya Bits Off is one of the key events of Tussock Country, the New Zealand Country Music Festival, and is set to grow even more.
There is a total prize pool of more than $3000, with two prizes of $1000, so it's well worth freezing your bits off and entering this event! |