John and Linda McGregor, of Katikati, were in Gore as part of a South Island driving holiday and extended their stay once they realised the Southern Axemen's Christmas Circuit was on.
Mrs McGregor enjoyed seeing competitive, easy-to-follow competition.
"I had two uncles who used to do this and were into it and would always be at the A&P shows and places like that. It's just something great to watch."
It was the second event of the six-day tour which has axemen and axewomen from as far away as Switzerland, Wales, the United States and Australia joining some of the best competitors in New Zealand to battle it out for woodchopping supremacy.
He said close to 40 competitors were hitting their stride on the second day of competition and there were several world champions in the field.
Eight female competitors took part in the event which Mr Templeton said was an increase since last year
The circuit will visit Otautau and Riverton this weekend before heading to Colac Bay on Monday and will conclude at the New Year's Day Sports carnival at Tuatapere, on Tuesday.
