General information: (mouse click on the underlined photo links below - use your browser back button to return here)
You can count the permanent population of Gore Bay on the fingers of both hands with most of the dwellings being holiday homes. There are no fuel stations or shops , with the nearest food supplies situated in Cheviot 12kms away. The local Council runs a camping ground maintained by a resident caretaker which has sites at either end of the Bay. For those that prefer the quieter life (at off peak times), the north end is the choice, but the facilities are not quite as extensive as the main area where the caretaker resides. Click here for more information. Freedom camping within the Bay is prohibited.
There is a permanent boil water notice for the area. You should not drink any water straight from a tap, but boil it for at least 5 minutes.
Communication with the outside world can be problematic. There is a telephone box near the south end, but you will need a Telecom calling card in order to use it. If you have a Vodafone mobile phone you should be able to make and receive calls in most parts of the bay and surrounding area. If you have a Telecom 027 mobile, forget it! You will not have coverage until you get close to the Cheviot township. You may get a connection to the 027 network at the seaward end of Manuka Bay Rd. (see map)
Recreational activities-
The beach at low tide is usually quite sandy. This can vary at times of the year and after storms. The north end is more stoney. Gore Bay is the only beach in the area safe for swimming and the only place where one can launch a small boat. Vehicles with a boat can enter the beach through the track by the tennis court. (picnic tables have just been erected there). Be warned! the sand is soft and only negotiable by 4 wheel drive vehicles. The south end is popular with surf board riders. There is a tennis court ( 2 courts) with a concrete slab surface. The charge by honesty box was 20c for a half hour, but the charge has been scratched out on the sign at the gate for some time now by vandals. There is a childrens play area in the reserve next to the North end camp ground.
Fishing and collecting shell fish is popular. Gore Bay has a resident fisheries officer and those indulging in this pastime would do well to heed the signs posted at entrances to the main spots in regard to catch limits to avoid a stiff fine.
