Discover Gore District

Locals are the first to admit, rural Southland is the last place you might expect such a considerable mix of cultural and historic nuggets, but Gore is increasingly becoming known for its history, heritage and artwork. The region also has plenty of outdoor pursuits for visitor to see and do, with fishing being one of the most popular!

Discover more of Southland here.

Gore Street Art Trail

Take a tour of Gore's central business district and discover the work of New Zealand"s best mural and street artists. Streets Alive is a community-driven project to create a future vision for Gore. This includes creating street…

DO

There are plenty of local fishing guides who can help you land the perfect catch. For your culture fix explore the history of the illicit moonshine whisky distilling in the Hokonui hills at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. The Eastern Southland Gallery is home to work by leading contemporary artist Ralph Hotere and the international art collection of Dr John Money. There are also interesting museums at Wyndham and Mataura, with the latter being housed in the historic Clematis Cottage.

The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre in Mandeville, with its display of vintage aircraft, is one of the jewels in Eastern Southland’s crown - if you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can even go for a flight in one of the restored plane.

Check out more things to do in Gore District here.

Maple Glen Gardens

A private garden, nursery, woodland and wetland set in the rolling green countryside of Southland. Started by Muriel Davison in a curving valley in the early 1970's it has continued to grow and now occupies around 75 acres of our…

SEE

Alongside its trout-filled rivers, the region also boasts a range of scenic reserves including Dolamore Park a great place to take an easy hike through native bush, let the children play, wander through gardens or relax in the sun with a picnic. For garden enthusiasts Eastern Southland features a number of historic gardens like Maple Glen. There are various areas for sport and recreation, including golf courses, mountain biking trails, a BMX track, and the impressive Gore Multisports Complex.

Check out more things to see in Gore District.

Miss Cocoa

Within the Experience Mandeville precinct is Miss Cocoa Coffee Cafe, housed in the historic former Mandeville Railway Hotel building. Our cafe is open during daytime hours for delicious meals and treats, with vegetarian, vegan…

EAT

As the hub of the district, Gore offers plenty of variety when it comes to places to eat, from restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars to suit every occasion. Enjoy a coffee at the Green Room a small eclectic style café beside the SBS St James Theatre. For a distinctive dining experience visit The Thomas Green Restaurant which offers an all-day menu with stylish décor. Or for food on the go grab some delicious pies and treats from Oven Fresh and One Chef Kitchen. Nearby in Mataura there’s Country Cottage Cafe which specialises in home-made food and great coffee, focusing on homestyle hospitality and atmosphere.

Check out more food options in Gore District here.

Hokonui Bed & Breakfast

Looking for some great southern hospitality in a private and rural setting? Come and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Hokonui Hills, the Mataura River and farmland from every room of our modern home. Hokonui Bed…

STAY

Gore offers a range of accommodation to suit any visitor. Heartland Hotel Croydon is a popular choice with their onsite restaurant and central location. While the Reservation B&B and Hokonui Bed and Breakfast provide a unique, intimate experience with locals keen to share their region with travellers.

Check out more accommodation options in Gore District here.