Gore has a surprising range of excellent sporting and cultural facilities for a small town.

The Gore Multisports Complex houses the Gore Aquatic Centre with a 25m pool, the four-court MLT Event Centre and Ice Sports Southland ice rink. Just outside is the Eastern Southland Hockey water turf.

The Southern Equestrian Park will impress horse lovers with its all-weather arena at the Gore A & P Showgrounds. It’s also home to Southland Showjumping and Southland dressage.

We have three golf clubs within the District. The main one at Gore, a quiet tree-studded course at Waikaka and another at Mataura.

As you might expect in a rugby-mad nation, there are rugby fields, as well as bowling and croquet greens, football, and athletics fields and a softball diamond. Many sports offer social team events.

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Mountain Biking

The Hokonui Bikers Club has built a 6km mountain bike trail in the Hokonui Hills through beautiful native bush.

The Hokonui Water Race Trail is grade 2. While it is not officially opened, it is rideable between Pope Road and Domain Road.

The trail will eventually continue on to Dolamore Park. The club has plans for a network of trails in the hills as well as other more accessible trails around Gore.

Call into Crossroad Cycles on Gore’s Main Street or the Gore Visitor Centre for more information.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

The Ice Sports Southland Ice Rink is the only indoor ice rink in Southland and is open to the public for skating sessions at selected times.

You might also want to try your hand at curling, get figure skating lessons, or join the Gore Grizzlies ice hockey team.

During our southern hemisphere winter, you might catch the occasional ice hockey game or figure skating competitions.

Location: Gore Multisports Complex, Wayland Street (off Robertson Street)

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Walking

Most walking trails are at or near Dolamore Park in the Hokonui Hills. Beginning at Dolamore Park are the Whisky Creek Track, the Dolamore Loop Track, and the Fantail Ridge /Sequoia loop track. While the walks are mostly under a native bush canopy, lookout points provide rewarding views.

From nearby Croydon Bush Road are three tracks maintained by the Hokonui Tramping Club. The highest point reached is East Peak at 627m, with 360 degree views.

The Waikaka Way Walkway at Hamilton Park follows the Waikaka Stream and is mostly flat.

Download our information booklet on Dolamore park here.

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Hunting and Fishing

Fishing and hunting are two major past-times for people in the Gore District. The hills are brimming with deer and venison is often available for dinner when you dine with locals.
For guided hunting trips, Leithen Valley Trophy Hunts at the northern end of the District, leads top-notch experiences, with accommodation as part of the package.

Fly fishing is a popular pastime, but many people also head to either the ocean or the choice of lakes less than two hours drive away. The Gore Boat and Waterski Club is the biggest inland boat club in New Zealand!

Download our information booklet about fly fishing here.

 

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Flying

The Gore Aero Club is 7.5km south of Gore on SH1. There are three grass runways, and no landing fees are payable. Flight times are 20 minutes from Invercargill and 30 minutes from Dunedin. 

A 15-minute drive from Gore is the old Mandeville Airfield. Fly in and park up for a coffee at Miss cocoa at the Moth. Visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre and if you’re lucky, get a tour of the Croydon Aircraft Company’s vintage restoration hangar. Tiger Moth flights are also available.

The Gore Model Aero Club holds a flying event at Mandeville the first weekend in February.