Our Heritage

Hokonui Heritage Centre

Located close to Gore’s C.B.D, and in partnership with the Gore i-SITE Visitor Centre, this complex hosts a range of heritage attractions and services:

The Hokonui Moonshine Museum is a visitor attraction celebrating the history of illicit whisky making in the southern region. “Hokonui” or “Hokonui Moonshine” had its origins in the Highlands of Scotland, but made its presence felt in the Gore district with the advent of localised Prohibition in 1902. 51 years of subsequent “drought” gave rise to an illicit moonshining tradition, and over 30 resulting prosecutions. The museum explores this colourful history through recreations, audio-visuals and original artefacts. “Old Hokonui” whisky, made to the original local recipe, is one of a number of popular items of merchandise available from the centre. The museum’s “pre-Prohibition colonial bar” is also available for tour groups and intimate private functions (bookings essential).

The Gore Historical Museum celebrates Gore’s social history with a variety of displays and special collections. A wide range of items and information cover the arrival of southern Maori, early European settlers, and the resulting enterprise that made the district unique. “Hook, Line & Sinker” is the Museum’s celebration of Trout fishing, while ”The Genge Costume Gallery” features a range of colonial costume and adornments. An added service to those with a hands-on interest in local history is The Hokonui Heritage Research Centre: a facility with resources designed for those wishing to undertake local history or genealogical research.

Hokonui Moonshine Museum & Gore Historical Museum

Hokonui Heritage Research Centre

Hokonui Merchandise

To purchase moonshine products, simply download our Moonshine Catalogue containing product images, prices and ordering information (468KB).

Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust

2006 saw the opening of Southland’s new aviation museum project at the Old Mandeville Airfield, on State Highway 94, near Gore. The $1.4 m structure hosts a collection of nationally and internationally significant vintage (principally de Havilland) aircraft, and complements both the Croydon Aircraft Company workshops and The Moth restaurant in order to provide a leading attraction for visitors to the region. Displays and interpretations celebrated the colourful stories of pioneer aviators, and equally colourful machines. The Moth restaurant is a well-established component of this precinct, and a charter and joy-ride service is currently available.

Hokonui Pioneer Park

This heritage park is situated on the outskirts of Gore and features a large display building for heritage item’s, and a number of relocated historic buildings. A significant feature of the park’s collection is a wide variety of vintage agricultural machinery, augmented by various household items, along with a selection of vintage cars and trucks and Gore’s famous Merryweather Fire Engine (used from 1932). On-site heritage buildings include a restored and furnished colonial cottage, along with an early bank, school and church.