The Gore District's colourful history of illicit whisky making and consumption is celebrated in this unique museum.
Gore (Maruawai), Southland’s second largest town, was originally a site for fording the Mataura River and became known as Longford. When the town was settled in 1862 it was renamed in honour of Thomas Gore Browne, who was the governor of New Zealand between 1855 and 1861. With modern facilities and city advantages in a beautiful rural setting, Gore is a drawcard for many visitors.
The town lies on the banks of the Mataura River. With nearly 150km of easily accessible waters that are internationally renowned for brown trout fly-fishing, the river is a fisherman’s dream. It’s no wonder the activity has been popular in the area since the 1870’s and Gore is now known as the “Brown Trout Capital of the World”! Hard to miss, the large brown trout statue in Gore is a national icon and is photographed by thousands of tourists each year.
Gore also has many stunning public parks and gardens which are perfect for family picnics and sport and recreation. The impressive Gore Multisports Complex, comprised of an aquatic centre, an ice rink and an indoor sports stadium, offers sporting and fitness activities and events all year round.
Gore is well known for its connection with country music, having hosted the annual national country music awards for 36 years. The town also presents the impressive Eastern Southland Art Gallery and revells in its colourful illicit whisky-making past and farming heritage at various historic attractions, such as the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Gore Historical Museum, and the Hokonui Pioneer Village and Museum.
Discover more at GoreNZ.com.
Highlights
Highlights
Guided brown trout fly fishing on the Mataura River. Come and experience some of the best Mayfly hatches in New Zealand!
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, a diverse range of customers are catered for in a warm, friendly, relaxed environment.
Located in the town belt, Gore's original public garden boasts flowers and trees for every season and is perfect for a short stroll or a picnic.
A community pool with a 25m long lane pool, a leisure pool with fountains, sprays and a toddler's area, a hydrotherapy pool, and disabled facilities.
Three stylish queen rooms and an executive super king studio in a contemporary home, set in 3 acres of garden with friendly farm animals.
Half day and full day fishing trips to sight fish for Brown and Rainbow Trout with dry fly and nymph.
One of Gore's most busy and popular cafes, this is the place to go for great coffee and food - with an extensive blackboard menu and cabinet goodies.
The gallery features the internationally renowned John Money Collection, a large number of works by Ralph Hotere, and many temporary exhibitions.
This fantastic park encompasses 95 hectares of native forest, walking tracks, expansive lawns, gardens, an excellent playground, and a camp ground.
