5 ways to make the most of a day at Gore Bay, New Zealand

Tranquility incarnate

Every so often, you’ll come across a place that you may never see again, but that sticks with you long after you’ve been there. Gore Bay, New Zealand is one such place - a quaint little spot, tucked away on a short detour off of the State Highway 1 road from Christchurch to Kaikoura, on the South Island. It’s a place in which it seems you could spend an age, and yet one in which no time would pass at all. Sat upon cool, pebble-strewn sand, wave after wave lapping against the shore, with barely another person in sight, you could find your soul at peace. Here are some of the best things you can get up to on a little (or long) stop off in Gore Bay.

Make an addition, if you like

1. Look out across Cathedral Gully

As you follow the detour road into (or out of) Gore Bay, you’ll come across a small roadside parking spot. Just across the road, you’ll see Cathedral Gully, so named for its unusual rock formations in the cliffs. We noticed a striking resemblance to the Sagrada Familia! The viewpoint is right beside the road and, behind, you can look out across Gore Bay in all its turquoise beauty. It makes for a quick stop before you’re on your way down the hill to the bay itself, or park up and have a picnic with that view!

Cathedral Gully rock formations

2. Walk along the pristine beach

The main attraction to Gore Bay, New Zealand, is naturally the bay itself! With chalky blue waters, gentle tumbling waves, pebbles and shells strewn about your feet, it’s a place seemingly designed for tranquility. The bay is long, and you can see all the way from one end to the other as you make your way along, collecting shells and pebbles of interest. As with the rest of this incredible country, you won’t find a single piece of litter or trash anywhere except in the public bins themselves. Time passes slowly here but that’s quite alright. It’s a place made for rest.

Let’s take a walk

3. Camp with quite a view

There are few better ways to truly immerse yourself in nature than with a spot of camping. Gore Bay and Buxton Camp Grounds are right on the beach, giving you the chance to spend an extended length of time in this beautiful, peaceful place. The amenities are basic, yet clean and functional. Park here for an evening or two and watch the sun set into the sea before your eyes as you listen to the waves and drift off into a peaceful sleep.

Find it on Maps here.

You don’t have to sleep in the wooden tent

4. Meet the locals

Boasting a grand total of 14 permanent residents, if small talk isn’t your thing, Gore Bay makes for quite a nice hiding place, safely away from the horrors of polite conversation. There are others who may share the same feeling, too - it’s not uncommon for seals to wash up onto Gore Bay beach, alone or in groups. You might spot them frolicking in the waves, or simply relaxing on the warm sands. They are generally calm, but can be boisterous and inquisitive, so keep your distance! Seals are known to be a little erratic, so be sure to keep a safe distance of at least 2 metres. 

Andrew did not keep a safe distance of at least 2 metres

5. Head to Cheviot

Best thing to do in Gore Bay, New Zealand? Leave.

Only joking, of course, but the nearby town of Cheviot is only a ten-minute drive away and is worth a look if you’re in the area! There’s a supermarket, a nice tea room and a gift shop selling locally-made clothes, homeware and presents. Whether on your way into or out of Gore Bay, it’s worth stopping off for a pie and a slice of small-town Kiwi life.

The lolly cake is worthy a try too

Making your way to New Zealand’s South Island soon? If Kaikoura or Christchurch are on your list, add Gore Bay, for the perfect, peaceful little stop-off on the way between the two. If you’d like to help keep the adventure going, you can buy us our next coffee or slice of lolly cake at the link below. Cheers!