Discover Dolamore Park
Dolamore Park is a wide, sunny, grassed area with mature exotic plantings, adjacent to the native forest of Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve. It sits on the lower slopes of the Hokonui Hills at the south-west end of Croydon Bush, about 11 km west of Gore.
Relaxing and Camping beside Croydon Bush
Dolamore works well for a relaxed half-day because it’s designed for lingering. The open lawns make it easy to picnic or let kids run, while the established shelter trees and exotics give the park a campground-meets-garden feel. There are campsites, a children's playground, and amenities such as toilets and barbecue facilities, along with access to walking tracks in Croydon Bush. When you want shade and birdsong, the native forest edge is right there.
The park is also larger than you think at first glance. From the campsite, there is an easy, attractive walk south, with a mix of lawn and more deciduous plantings, particularly attractive in Autumn. Here, there are numerous options for finding a private picnic spot.
Native Forest and Access to Whisky Creek Track
From the lawns, you can step straight into the forested part of the Hokonui Hills on the Whiskey Creek Track, then to other connected walks, next to the north end car park. Instantly, you're surrounded by cooler air, a ferny understory, and a tall native forest canopy.
The creek name ties neatly into the wider Hokonui moonshine folklore and is a mix of mature and mopre jungle like regrowth native forest. The walking options offer easy loops with short deviations, plus the longer Whiskey Creek Track loop.
How Dolamore Park got its name
In 1947, JH Dolamore and his wife, Amelia, made a substantial bequest to the town of Gore, helping to develop the Croydon Domain, now known as Dolamore Park, in recognition of the Dolamores.
How to Get There
From central Gore, take State Highway 94 north, then turn left onto Preston Street after 500 metres. Drive to the end and turn right onto Ardwick Street, then veer left onto Crewe Street. Crewe Street becomes Reaby Road as it leaves the town, heading northwest towards the Hokonui Hills. At the intersection with Kingdon Road, turn left to stay on Reaby Road and follow this for several km to Dolamore Park Road. The car park and entrance are along this road, about 10 minutes drive from Gore.
Gore is on State Highway 1, a 115-minute drive and 150 km from Dunedin, and a 50-minute drive and 64 km from Invercargill.
Nearby places to visit include Tapanui, Leithen Glen, Bannerman Park, the Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Distillery and the Eastern Southland Gallery.
