What's On Southland & South Otago

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.   

Edendale Tulip Day 2026
Enjoy a colourful Labour Day outing among the tulips, with food, markets and family-friendly activities.
When: Monday 26 October 2026 (Labour Day)
Where: Event Hub at the Edendale Recreation Grounds, Salford Street, Edendale
What's Happening: food stalls, market stalls, tulip bulb sales, viewing of local tulip paddocks & amenities and parking available
Entry: By donation with all donations are returned to local community groups and fundraising opportunities.
Two Ways to View the Tulips:
Van Tour: Drive-by viewing only, remaining in the van throughout the tour.
Self-Driven Visit: Visit the nominated tulip paddock and enjoy a photo opportunity among the blooms.
Find Out More: Edendale Presbyterian Church Facebook page
Please Note:
No drones permitted
No pets permitted
Access may vary due to weather or environmental conditions
Visitors are entering a working farm environment and must follow all instructions

Balfour Lions Fireworks Evening 2026
A great old-fashioned family night out featuring entertainment, food and a spectacular fireworks display.
When: Friday 6 November 2026
Where: Balfour Racecourse
Gates Open: 6:30pm
Enjoy: fireworks display, live music, food stands, coffee cart, glow sticks & more fun for the kids
Entry: $10 for everyone over 15 years of age.
Enquiries:027 333 3215 
Please Note: No postponement date is available.

Waikaka Arts Exhibition 2026
The Waikaka Arts Exhibition provides a welcoming showcase for both emerging and established artists. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of arts and crafts, with many pieces available for purchase throughout the exhibition. The event aims to surprise, inspire and celebrate creativity in the heart of rural Southland.
Where: Centennial Hall, Main Street, Waikaka
Opening Night: Friday 6 November 2026 from 7:30pm
Exhibition Open:
Saturday 7 November, 10am-5pm (Election Day)
Sunday 8 November to Thursday 12 November, 1pm-5pm daily
Late Night Viewing: Wednesday 11 November, 1pm-8:30pm
Tickets:
Opening Night: $20 $20 per person, including wine and nibbles.
Standard Entry: $5
Tickets available at the door. Eftpos available on-site.
Find Out More: www.waikakaarts.nz

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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