Gore Bay, North Canterbury
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. There is a camping ground administered by the Port Robinson Reserves Board and leased out for day to day management. It has two sites at either end of the Bay. The north end site which has limited facilities is often closed during the off peak season. Click here for more information on the camp ground. Freedom camping within the Bay and surrounding areas (Port Robinson/Manuka Bay) is prohibited by legislation and enforceable by the Hurunui District Council.
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 won't get a signal within the bay but should be able to make and receive calls at either end on the beach or at the top of the hill. If you have a Telecom 027 mobile, forget it! You will not have coverage until you get close to the Cheviot township or 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 are situated 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) re-surfaced in 2022. There is a charge using an honesty box, There are toilet facilities at the tennis court as well at the south end of the bay. The camping ground do not allow those not registered with their sites to use their facilities. There is a childrens play area in the reserve next to the North end camp ground, but after all, the beach is the best playground!
Fishing and collecting shell fish is popular. The fish numbers caught in Gore Bay are not great and better catches may be found from Manuka Bay and the Hurunui River Mouth south by road. Crayfish lurk in the rocks at the south end of the beach. 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 size and catch limits to avoid a stiff fine. There is a recycling bin situated at the south end by the toilets and visitors are urged to place their bottle/cans and other recycleable items in it.