Gore Itinerary

A Day of Culture, Craft and Character

Just an hour’s drive from Invercargill, Gore is a town with a big personality. Known for its nationally significant art collections, cheeky moonshine history, and vintage aviation gems, it’s the kind of place that surprises you in all the right ways. This day trip blends Murihiku Southland storytelling with local flavour, perfect for curious explorers keen to dig a little deeper.

Morning

Discover Gore's Creative Soul

Cruise through classic Murihiku countryside — wide paddocks, winding rivers, and the odd roadside honesty box — as you make your way to Gore. First stop is the Eastern Southland Gallery, affectionately dubbed the “Goreggenheim”. Housed in a beautifully restored Carnegie Library, this gallery punches well above its weight, showcasing the John Money Collection with works by Kiwi legends like Ralph Hotere and Rita Angus.

When hunger strikes, settle in at The Thomas Green. This modern bistro is tucked inside a grand old heritage building and dishes up hearty Southland fare with a contemporary twist.

Afternoon

Heritage and Aviation in the Afternoon

After lunch, wander over to the Old Hokonui Moonshine Museum & Distillery. Gore’s got a cheeky past when it comes to whiskey-making, and this museum tells the story with plenty of character. It’s part of the town’s heritage precinct and accessed through the Gore Visitor Centre.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, take a short drive out to Mandeville to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre. This place is a gem, it's home to the Croydon Aircraft Company, which restores vintage wood-and-fabric planes from the golden age of aviation. It’s a hands-on slice of history that’s well worth the detour.

Evening

Stay the Night in Style

Head back to Invercargill and wind down with dinner at one of the city’s top spots. Whether you’re after bold Korean fusion at EUNA, Asian-inspired bites at Mama San, or something fresh and local at MELD, you’ll find a feed that hits the mark.