What's On Southland & South Otago

Little Ray of Giving 
It’s that time of year again! Little Ray is running the Little Ray of Giving promotion to support families at the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital.
How you can help:
Donate a new, unwrapped gift to brighten someone’s Christmas. Drop your gift at: Ray White Office: 37 Main Street, Gore or Idealprint in Tapanui
Deadline: Wednesday, 18 December 2025
Wish List Ideas
High-contrast black & white toys or books
Tummy time mirrors
Soft rattles
Crinkle toys / Musical plush toys
Sensory balls
Muslin wraps
A4 colored card / paper
Play-Doh or modelling clay
Puzzle / Sticker / Activity / Colouring books
Crayons / Pencils
Art / DIY kits
Soft toys (e.g., Squishmallows)
Board games / Books
Sachet coffees & specialty teas
Ladies & Men spray deodorant
Shampoo & Conditioner (small size)
Face masks & moisturiser (small size)
Bath bombs / Shower gel / Lip balm
Hand cream (travel-sized preferred)
Snacks / Treats – NO nuts
Gift cards (grocery, fuel & Prezzy)
Important: All items must be new and unwrapped for health and safety reasons.

West Otago Christmas Trail 2025
The Christmas Trail is back for another year! 
When: Monday 1st December – Saturday 27th December
Where: Whiskey Gully, Tapanui
Lots of new, exciting displays this year — family-friendly and can be viewed day or night!
All welcome but please keep dogs on a lead.

Waimea Plains Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club Annual Christmas Parade
Join the Waimea Plains Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club for their Annual Christmas Parade
Sunday December 7th!
Parade starts: 2:30pm, leaving the clubrooms
Where: 153 Liverpool Street, Riversdale
What’s on: BBQ lunch at the clubrooms, lolly scramble, stationary engine running, and afternoon tea to follow
All welcome!
For more details: contact the Tractor Drivers’ Coordinator on 03 201 0264.

Gore Christmas Market 
When: Sunday, December 7, 10am–3pm
Gold coin donation:  all proceeds to Deer to Care
More info: Follow the Gore Christmas Market n Facebook
Come get merry as your browse over 70 stalls & enjoy food & coffee 

Waikaia Forest Trails: Summer Walk Schedule
Dates: Wednesday 10 December – 9:00am, Friday 9 January – 9:00am, Tuesday 10 February – 9:00am, Tuesday 10 March – 9:00am
Location: Meet at Pump Park, Waikaia
Donation: Gold coin appreciated
Bring your walking shoes and enjoy a great way to experience the Waikaia Forest Trails!

Toot for Tucker – Te Anau
When: Thursday, 11 December 2025 from 7pm
What: The annual Toot for Tucker collection is back! Volunteers will be making their way around Te Anau from 7pm, collecting non-perishable food items to support the Fiordland Food Bank.
Please have your donations ready and listen out for the toot!

Tapanui Christmas Market 
Join us in West Otago for a festive day out at the Tapanui Christmas Market, happening Sunday 14th December from 10am to 2pm.
With 20+ stalls already confirmed, you’ll find everything from gifts and crafts to plants, crop swap, and more. Enjoy a BBQ, cake stall, Cookie Time treats, and plenty of festive cheer!
Make a day of it – come for the market and stay for the West Otago Theatrical Christmas Concert.
For more info, email [email protected] or call 027 728 7505.

Trainwreck Trail – Fundraiser for Glenham Community Centre
When: Saturday, 17 January 2026
Races: start at 10am
Events include:
10km walk, run, or mountain bike
21km run or mountain bike
43km mountain bike
Register online: www.glenhamtrainwreck.co.nz or on the day from 8.30am at Glenham Hall.

Old Balclutha Hospital Centenary Reunion
The Old Balclutha Hospital is turning 100 & they warmly invite all former staff to reconnect and reminisce with an afternoon of celebration, conversation, finger food, photographs, and shared memories of your time “up the hill.
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Te Pou Ō Mata-Au (Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre).
How to Register:
Visit the Old Balclutha Hospital Facebook page
Email [email protected]
Or pick up a registration form at Bates Pharmacy, Café 55, or the Clutha i-SITE at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au.
For more information: Margo Roxburgh 027 226 4455.

Catlins 4WD Trek 
Join the Owaka, Clinton, and Tokonui Lions Clubs for a two-day scenic 4WD trek through stunning South Otago. 
Where: South Otago
When: February 14–15, 2026
Details: Visit Catlins 4WD Trip on Facebook or email [email protected]
Contact: 027 408 9783
This event is all about adventure and supporting local communities.

West Otago Lions 4WD Trip – Sunday 22 February 2026
Join us for a scenic 4WD adventure through the upper reaches of the Pomahaka River with spectacular views.
Cost: $100 per vehicle
Start: 670 Wilden Runs Road, Heriot
Time: Registration 9–9.30am, depart 10am sharp, finish about 3pm with a BBQ (cash required).
Bring a shovel, fire extinguisher, lunch, snacks, and UHF radio if you have one.
Register: Click here
Enquiries: Nelson Hancox 027 217 3902 | Email: [email protected]
Payment: Charitable Trust of West Otago Lions 06 0923 0129216 00

Menzies College 55th Reunion 
Join us for a special one-day celebration marking 55 years of Menzies College! We welcome all former students, staff, well-wishers, and Wyndham District High past pupils to reconnect and reminisce at the college in Wyndham.
When: Saturday, 7 February 2026
Where: Menzies College, Wyndham
Register: via Eventbrite or search Menzies College 55th Reunion on Facebook.
For more information: contact Julie on 027 445 4719.

British Motorcycle Day
When: Sunday, 15 March 2026 11.00am
Where: Old Mandeville Airfield, Southland
Prizegiving: 12:30pm
Free Admission
All motorcycles welcome — come along for a fantastic day of bikes, community, and fun!

Blue Mountain College 50th Reunion
When:  20–22 March 2026
What: Celebrate 50 years of Blue Mountain College!
All event details and registration information are available on the Facebook page: 50 Years of Blue Mountain College.

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