Culture and heritage are major drawcards for the southern rural town of Gore. Visitors are often impressed with the modern facilities and ‘city advantages’ available in this rural setting. The town, famous for its country music, illicit whiskey making and brown trout fishing, is also a growing hub of history, heritage and artwork. Surrounding Gore are a variety of small towns like Mataura, Waikaia and Mandeville, that serve their roles in rural communities while telling the stories of their industrial past.

Eastern Southland Gallery

The international art collection of Dr John Money relocated from Baltimore, Maryland USA boasts over 300 works of art. A collection of over 60 pieces of work by leading contemporary New Zealand artist Ralph Hotere and innovative exhibition programme make the ‘Goreggenheim’ Gallery a must do.

Hokonui Moonshine Museum

Tracing back 130 years, this museum explores the illicit moonshine whiskey distilling in the Hokonui hills. The multi-media story shares how the local moonshiners coped during prohibition and how Kiwi ingenuity tried to overcome the efforts of the local constabulary.

Experience Mandeville

New Zealand’s oldest aerodrome lets visitors enjoy its collection and see the restoration work of some of New Zealand’s most historic planes. For the budding flying ace, you can have an aerial view of Southland on a flight in one of their classic collection.

Fly Fishing

Cast a line in the Mataura River which is world renowned for its famous large brown trout. Follow up with a visit to the Gore Museum which hosts a collection of fishing memorabilia since its popularity grew in district in 1870’s.

Dolamore Park

Take a break with this spectacular park on the Hokonui hills. A great place to take an easy hike through native bush, let the children play on the local activities, wander through gardens or relax in the sun with a picnic. For the garden enthusiast Gore features a number of historic gardens.