Chitty's countdown to Christmas
- Publish date
- Thursday, 4 Dec 2025, 1:33PM

Chitty Claus and her elves are coming to a town near you!
This month, Hokonui is bringing the Christmas magic to some of our favourite local stores across the region and giving you plenty of chances to win the perfect gift for yourself, or someone you love.
Between Wednesday, 3rd December and Wednesday, 17th December, spend$20 or more at any participating store, and you’ll go in the draw to win one of our daily prizes – as well as a Christmas trolly dash with Chitty at New World Gore!
Just write your name and number on your receipt, pop it in the store’s entry box, and listen out on Hokonui Breakfast each morning to hear if your name is drawn!
Meet the Stores Participating in Hokonui’s Countdown to Christmas:
Advance Agriculture provides trusted, independent advice on agchem, seed, precision ag and spray equipment. With top products, competitive pricing and access to the latest research, they help farmers get the best from their land. They source and mix quality seed, supply AG LEADER technology, and stock a wide range of sprayers, parts and accessories - ensuring the right solutions when you need them.
Aimee McKee Travel creates personalised holidays and travel experiences, evolving from HelloworldGore into an independent brand focused on tailored service. As part of a major TAANZ & IATA accredited network, they can help with family trips, cruising, corporate travel, weddings, honeymoons and more. Aimee finds the best deals, plans the best routes, and offers thoughtful, one-on-one support.
Benger NUI Café & Bar serves a huge selection of delicious cabinet and menu food, perfect for a holiday stop-in. Their sister café, Benger Garden in Ettrick, is open seven days (closed only Christmas Day) with beautiful accommodation for fruit-picking trips. Both spots are licensed, dog friendly, and offer catering plus fun themed dinner nights. Make sure you visit both this festive season.
Cross Road Cycles has the perfect bikes for the whole family this Christmas, from mountain bikes to e-bikes. Stocking top brands like Giant, Avanti and Scott, their experienced team can help you find the right fit. With accessories, clothing and a full repair department, they’ve got everything you need to keep rolling. Visit them on Main Street in Gore.
Ewan Allan Honda is NZ’s leading Honda motorcycle dealer, proudly serving customers since 1983. Their team rides what they sell, offering expert advice on trail bikes, farm bikes, motocross and more. Whether you need a new bike, parts or servicing, they’re the most complete off-road motorcycling provider in Southland and Otago.
Gore RSATroopers Bistro is the place for good friends and great times this Christmas. Their family-friendly Troopers Bistro has a menu for all ages, plus a play area for the kids. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere (some say the friendliest RSA in the country),they’re proud supporters of Hokonui’s Countdown to Christmas.
Liquorland Gore is your one-stop shop for festive drinks, with a huge range of beer, wine, RTDs and spirits. Along with our Christmas prize draws, they’ve got great in-store giveaways including a portable fridge freezer and Bluetooth speaker. They also offer custom gift baskets, giftpacks and vouchers, everything you need for a quiet night in or a loud night out. Find them on Traford Street.
Regional Ford offers new Fords, quality used vehicles, parts and servicing from their Gore and Balclutha branches. Locally owned by the Abernethy family, their team is dedicated to excellent customer service across sales, maintenance and support. Whether you're after a new Ford, used options or expert servicing, they’re ready to help.
Southern Living Giftware offers a beautifully curated range of high-quality, rural-inspired products, with a focus on NZ-made and NZ-owned brands - the perfect spot for unique Christmas gifts. Open Wednesday–Sunday (with late nights every Friday until Christmas), you can also check their socials for new stock and upcoming events like their Dec 3rd Shop & Taste night and a guys’ late-night shopping event. Inside the same building, Colour & Clay Collective adds a creative twist with weekly maker’s club sessions, workshops and private events. Drop in during store hours to paint your own ceramics from ornaments, and they’ll fire your piece for pickup or shipping. A great festive activity or personalised gift idea. Afterpay and online shopping available.
Super Liquor Gore has the coldest beer in town and an impressive range of craft brews, wines and spirits. Their friendly team is known for exceptional service —they’ll even carry your order to the car. From gift sets to vouchers and all your party needs, they’ve got something for everyone this Christmas. Recently named Runner-Up Regional Store of the Year 2025, it’s well worth a visit.
Unichem Quin’s Gore Pharmacy is known for expert advice, friendly service and an extensive product range. With depot locations in Mataura and Lumsden, they support the wider Eastern Southland community. As part of Green Cross Health, they offer great value and trusted healthcare support all year round.
![]()
