Quick Facts
Gore for Families — Overview
Gore is Southland's second city — a farming hub and the self-declared 'Country Music Capital of NZ'. For families, the surprise is the Eastern Southland Gallery — a world-class art collection in a small Southland town that includes works by Ralph Hotere and Rita Angus. The Hokonui Moonshine Museum covers the region's bootlegging history in a genuinely entertaining way.
Top Things to Do in Gore with Kids
- ✓ Eastern Southland Gallery — remarkable art collection for a small town. Free. Don't miss the Hotere collection.
- ✓ Hokonui Moonshine Museum — entertaining bootlegging history. $10/adult.
- ✓ Mandeville Airport Vintage Aircraft Trust — vintage biplane flights. Unique experience.
- ✓ Dolamore Park (15 min from Gore) — excellent DOC picnic area and walks in native beech forest
- ✓ Croydon Aircraft Company — vintage aircraft restoration, viewing by arrangement
Rainy Day Options — Gore
Where to Stay in Gore with Kids
Basic motel and holiday park options. Primarily a transit stop or day visit from Invercargill.
Find Gore Accommodation on Booking.com →Gore Family Budget Guide
Very affordable. Gallery free. Good fuel stop on the Dunedin–Invercargill route.
Use the NZ Family Travel Budget Calculator to plan your full trip spend.
Gore Family FAQ
Is Gore worth stopping at?
If you're driving between Dunedin and Invercargill, yes — the Eastern Southland Gallery alone is worth a 1-hour stop. It houses a genuinely world-class collection of NZ art including major Ralph Hotere works, completely free. The Hokonui Moonshine Museum is fun for older kids. Pair both and have lunch — it makes a good 2-hour break on a long drive.
Nearby Destinations to Combine with Gore
All NZ City Family Guides →
Family guides for 33 NZ cities and towns — from Whangarei to Invercargill.