Walkways & Cycleways

Dolamore Park and the Croydon Bush scenic reserves are home to most of the District's walking tracks. The 6km Hokonui Water Race Trail mountain bike track is also in this area.

You will find details of the trails around Dolamore Park and Croydon Bush on our map.

Croydon Bush offers a glimpse of the forest, grassland and shrub communities that once characterised Southland's landscape.

Tracks through the reserves take in native podocarp (pine) forest, including Matai, Rimu and Kahikatea. The Rata flowers are a feature in summer.

Dolamore Track

A gravel surfaced loop walk, starting from the Dolamore Park picnic areas. It crosses the Waimumu Stream and gradually climbs towards a ridge. A signposted side walk to a viewpoint adds about 30min to the total walk time. A boardwalk section at the start of the track is accessible to wheelchairs.

Walk time: One hour return

Fantail Ridge Track

Signposted from the Dolamore Park car park, this track provides easy walking through exotic and regenerating native forest. There are magnificent views of Southland. Return via the Sequoia Track or, for a longer walk, follow the Whisky Creek Track back to the park.

Walk time: 40 minutes return

Whisky Creek Track

Signposted off the boardwalk section of the Dolamore Track, this walk follows a ridge to waterfalls. The track includes some steeper sections and muddy patches. A side track to Poppelwell's Lookout is well worthwhile for spectacular views over the Southland Plains. This adds 30 to 45 minutes to the walk time.

Walk time: Two hours return

Sequoia Track

Use the Fantail Ridge Track access to this track, which begins at the Sequoia Plantation in Dolamore Park. A link with the Whisky Creek Track provides a variety of return options.

Walk time: 40 minutes return

Waikaka Way Walkway

Located just on the outskirts of Gore, at Hamilton Park, this track follows the Waikaka River exiting on to Toronto Street. There is parking available at both ends.

There are other loop options for short walks off this track in and around the 20ha park. The track is relatively flat and the area is dog friendly.

Walk time: 45 minutes return