Summer in Gore not as bad as you might think
Jackie Norman reckons there is no shortage of stunning scenery, excitement and activities for all ages in the Deep South.
When most people think of the quintessential Kiwi summer, the customary hotspots are almost always in there somewhere.
Firing up the barbie in the Coromandel, soaking up the sun at
The Mount, welcoming the New
Year in Gisborne – let’s face it, your average Southland rural town doesn’t spring to mind.
However, for those who fancy a change this summer, there is no shortage of stunning scenery, excitement and activities for all ages in the Deep South.
For those who want to experience it all, there is no better base than Gore.
Yes, Gore. Unfairly mocked and top candidate for the infamous Sh*t Towns of
New Zealand, this pleasant town has an awful lot to offer. After travelling the country from top to bottom twice, all I can say is, if the creators think Gore is a s... town, they really need to get out more. I can give them a heck of a lot worse examples.
The main reason people think Gore has nothing to offer is because they don’t spend any time there. It’s a place people tend only to pass through on their way to Dunedin, Queenstown or the Catlins.
Admittedly, at first glance there doesn’t appear to be much. A drive up the main street doesn’t give away a lot, except for the landmark brown trout monument and the old Creamota factory. But, if you take the time to get a feel for the place and explore it properly, you’ll soon be won over by its warm, southern hospitality.
Far from being a s... town, it’s the gateway to a whole lot of summer fun.
Places to picnic
The Gore District Council does an amazing job of keeping the Public Gardens pristine and beautiful. Right in the centre of town, you can enjoy a stroll around the rose gardens, and young and old alike are always entertained and enchanted by the large aviary.
There’s also the delight of wandering the banks of the Mataura River, which is easily accessible from town.
The A&P Showgrounds are popular for picnicking, with heaps of room for kids to run around, kick a ball or play frisbee.
It’s also the cheapest camping spot in the area. Pitch a tent in the park-like grounds and the whole family can stay for as little as $5 a night.
Cycle tracks
Whether you’re after a sedate bike ride or wanting to burn off some energy, cycling is available.
Hamilton Park has a BMX track, which is great for all skill levels and ages. Mataura, just down the road, also boasts a brand new pump track.
For younger children, there is a bike park in town near the big fish. More experienced cyclists can enjoy the six-kilometre Hokonui Water Race Trail, from Pope Rd to Dolamore Park.
Walking/hiking
From gentle strolls to steep hikes, Gore has something for everyone. The Waikaka Way Walkway begins at Hamilton Park and follows the Waikaka River. Bannerman Park in the middle of town is beautiful at any time of year.
The cream of the crop, however, is Dolamore Park, which offers a wide range of varied scenic bush tracks. From the top of Croydon Bush, you can see across to Bluff and Stewart Island on a clear day. Check out the Whiskey Falls, too.
Fishing
Gore is famous for its trout fishing. People come from all over the world to while away the summer on the banks of the Mataura River.
Many come to try their luck on their own, but for novice fly fishermen, there are guided trips available.
Keeping the kids busy
The Multisports Complex has swimming, with inflatable fun daily during holidays, and a hydrotherapy pool to chill out in. The stadium has four multisport courts for netball, basketball, soccer and tennis.
There’s laser tag, football, darts, bubble ball soccer, zorb ball, archery tag, pickleball, volleyball and, the jewel in the crown, an ice skating rink. It’s the perfect place to keep cool during Southland’s scorching summer.
Kids of all ages love the deer in Bannerman Park.
As for playgrounds, the Eccles St playground will keep little ones happy for hours. Bigger ones can have a blast at Dolamore Park on the obstacle courses and flying fox.
For quieter or wet days, the historic St James Theatre is the largest seated cinema in
New Zealand, with room for 450 patrons.
Camping
As well as the A & P Showgrounds, Dolamore Park is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, with heaps of grassy areas to run around on, free barbecue facilities, and the kind of play area most kids only dream of, as well as a kitchen, toilets and showers.
A little further afield, is the equally family-friendly Piano Flat, a huge area with a stream for kayaking, swimming and fishing, as well as bushwalks and mountain biking.
Museums and Galleries
The Eastern Southland Gallery in the town centre has an amazing permanent collection. At the Airforce Museum in East Gore, you can step back in time with rides in a Tiger Moth and get up close to a helicopter, a 1943 ex-army personnel carrier and all sorts of ex-airforce wartime memorabilia.
Gore even has a Pioneer Village, which adjoins the Vintage Car Club Motor Museum. But my favourite is the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Interesting, amusing and incredibly well done, it’s a definite must-visit.
Heritage and History
The Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre is hugely popular. Ride on the vintage steam train at Mandeville (next running days are January 18 and 19). While there, fly on The Moth aeroplane and have a delicious lunch and coffee at Miss Cocoa Cafe.
Events
The annual A&P Show (February 1 at the A &P Showgrounds) is where the whole town comes out to play. This summer, the Southern Field Days also has its biennial event at Waimumu, February 12-14.
Day trips
With its convenient location and cheaper accommodation, Gore is an ideal base for day trips. Explore the Catlins’ stunning scenery and seal colonies.
Head to Te A¯ nau for its breathtaking Fiordland lakes. And get your summer beach fix at Colac Bay, Gemstone Beach or Oreti Beach.
The western Southern Scenic route via Invercargill, Riverton and Tuatapere is also a lovely day trip. If you’re a garden enthusiast, visit the spectacular Maple Glen, just 20 minutes out of Gore.
Great food
From classy dining to pub grub, or a quick pie, Gore has you covered. We love the historic beauty of the Thomas Green, or the friendly atmosphere at Howl at the Moon. For great value, you can’t go past the Gore RSA or the Town & Country Club. Croydon Lodge does fantastic Christmas dinners and, if the summer heat is all getting too much, North Gore Dairy does the biggest icecreams in town.
Gore is about 90-minutes’ drive from Dunedin, Central Otago and the Catlins, and 45 minutes from Invercargill.
After spending countless summers in the Coromandel, struggling to find a spot on the beach with the other 100,000 people, spending the past two summers in Gore has been a breath of fresh air. So don’t just pass through!