What's On Southland & South Otago

Gore Pakeke Lions Annual Book Sale
Find your next great read at the Gore Pakeke Lions Annual Book Sale.
When: Thursday 8 October to Saturday 10 October 2026
Where: Gore A&P Hokonui Pavilion, Gore
Browse a wonderful selection of books and puzzles for children and adults, with something to suit every interest. Pick up a bargain while supporting a valued local community fundraiser. 

Wallacetown Town Garage Sale
A free, family-friendly community event with bargains to be found throughout Wallacetown.
When: Saturday 10 October 2026, 8.30am to 4.00pm
Where: Wallacetown
Spend the day exploring a town-wide garage sale with many Wallacetown households taking part. Hunt for bargains, hidden treasures and unique finds throughout the community.
Maps will be available from Murphy's Dairy for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Wallacetown School.
It is also a great time of year to enjoy Wallacetown in blossom while supporting a local community event.
Entry is free.

Limehills School Classic Country Fair
Bring the whole family along for a fantastic day packed with classic country fun.
When: Saturday 17 October 2026, 11.00am to 3.00pm
Where: Limehills School
Enjoy a great day out with food stalls, market stalls and loads of family entertainment including the Big Dig, pony rides, a petting zoo, chocolate wheel, mini jeeps, silent disco, live entertainment and much more.
The Limehills School Classic Country Fair is a fun-filled community event with something for everyone.

Whiskey Creek Challenge
Take on Southland's ultimate endurance running challenge this October.
When: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026
Where: Dolamore Park, 10 minutes from Gore
Choose from 3, 6, 12 or 24-hour events and run as many 5km loops of the Whiskey Creek Trail as you can within your chosen time limit. Enter as an individual or a team, with kids' events also available.
Organised by: Hokonui Running Group
Profits support: Hokonui Runanga Kaupapa Taiao bush trapping projects and Gore Kids Hub.
Enter online: www.whiskeycreekchallenge.com

Touch Southland Development Teams
A fun, inclusive opportunity for young players to develop their touch rugby skills and make new friends.
Who: Boys and Girls in Years 5/6, Years 7/8 and Year 9
Where: Teams available in Otautau, Winton, Gore, Queenstown, Invercargill, Te Anau and Cromwell
Every interested player gets a go. There are no trials, everyone receives equal playing time, and the focus is on participation, development and having fun.
Tournaments:
- 18 October 2026 - Winton
- 1 November 2026 - Queenstown
- 15 November 2026 - Invercargill
- 6 December 2026 - Winton
Also happening: Registrations are now open for the Eastern Adult Module, starting on 22 October 2026.
Register: www.touchsouthland.co.nz

Southern Steam F150 Open Day
See the restoration progress on Southland's historic steam locomotive F150.
When: Sunday 18 October 2026, 11.00am to 3.00pm
Where: 95 Inglewood Road, Invercargill
Visit Southern Steam and see first-hand the restoration work being carried out on F150, a steam locomotive built in 1881 that served New Zealand Railways and spent its final years in Invercargill before retirement. The project aims to preserve an important piece of Southland and New Zealand railway heritage for future generations.
More information: www.southernsteam.co.nz 

Gore Rhododendron Festival
A colourful day celebrating spring in the heart of Gore.
When: Sunday 18 October 2026, 10.30am to 4.00pm
Where: Gore Gardens
Enjoy a great family day out featuring food and coffee vendors, outdoor furniture displays, craft, clothing and plant stalls, spectacular rhododendron bloom displays, plus art, music and children's entertainment.
Everyone is welcome.

Lumsden Golf Club Centennial Celebrations
Lumsden Golf Club is celebrating 100 years of golf and warmly invites past and present members to be part of this special milestone.
When: Saturday 6 February 2027
Where: Lumsden Golf Club
The day will include a round of golf followed by an evening event featuring a meal and guest speakers as members and supporters reflect on a century of golfing history in Lumsden.
For more information or to register your interest, contact: Janette Collins lumsdengolfclub@gmail.com 027 643 3040

Resilient Whānau Against Meth: Gore
A free, confidential support group for whānau affected by methamphetamine use.
Where: Connected Eastern Southland Building, 5 Fairfield Street, Gore
When: First Wednesday of every month, 5:30–7pm
Details: Run by Able Minds, the group focuses on empowering, educating and connecting families, with specialist support from Able Minds field workers and partner agencies. Open to anyone supporting a loved one affected by meth.
Contact: marloes@able.org.nz or 027 1930 837.

You’re not alone. Justice of the Peace – Available Weekly
Need a document signed or witnessed?
A Justice of the Peace is available every Wednesday from 6:30PM–7:30PM at the Gore District Library.
JPs provide free services to the public and can:
• Witness signatures
• Certify copies of documents
• Administer affidavits and statutory declarations
Can’t make it Wednesday? Find a JP anytime at: justiceofthepeace.org.nz

Gore Community Patrol – Volunteers Wanted
Looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community?
Gore Community Patrol is seeking volunteers to help keep our town safe. Work alongside trained patrollers and community partners to help prevent crime and reduce harm.
To learn more or sign up:
Visit: www.cpnz.org.nz  or email: gore@cpnz.org.nz

Become a Big Buddy – Change a Life
Family Works Southland is looking for volunteers in Gore and Invercargill to become Big Buddies — giving just 2–3 hours a week to mentor a young person in need.
Encourage confidence, social skills, and connection through a lasting friendship.
Interested? Learn more at: pss.org.nz/family-works/services/buddy-programme