Local Information
Renowned as the world brown trout capital, Gore and the surrounding area is a major drawcard for keen anglers. Between October and April the district's lakes and rivers take on an international feel as anglers from all over the world come to test their skills against the wiley brown trout. The Mataura River has the highest population and catch rates of any river in New Zealand – helping to give Southland its deserved reputation as one of the New Zealand's top fishing spots.
But Gore also has a rich and colourful local history waiting to be explored. There are several special museums in Gore including:
- The Hokonui Moonshine Museum, which gives an interesting insight into the illegal whiskey making during the prohibition era imposed in 1902.
- The Hokonui Pioneer Park shows what life was like in those early years.
- The Croydon Aircraft Company, 10 minutes north of Gore, is home to many vintage and rare aircraft.
- For the arts enthusiast, the Eastern Southland Art Gallery, which houses the Dr John Money Art Collection, and the Museum are only 200 metres from the motel.
- For the country music fan, the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards are held in Gore every June, attracting thousands of visitors to the town.
Where is Gore?
- Two hours south-west of Dunedin
- Two hours south of Queenstown
- Two hours from Te Anau
- One hour from Invercargill
- One hour from the Catlins
With the Hokonui Hills as a backdrop, this rural wonderland is a picture-perfect landscape surrounded by rivers, native bush, mountains, farmland, and lakes. Gore is Southland's second largest town and offers visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the great outdoors. One of Gore's newest attractions is the grade 1-2 mountain bike track, surrounded by spectacular native bush. Gore is also a golfer's haven, with full sized golf courses within minutes of town. Further activities such as hunting and tramping are all close by.