Croydon Bush walking tracks
Track category
Walking track
Description
Dolamore Track
Time: 30 minutes (loop track) plus a 30 minutes side track
The Dolamore Track is maintained to walking track standard. The loop track, maintained by the department begins at Dolamore Park carpark and takes 30 minutes return to walk. A side walk off the loop track to a lookout should take approximately an extra 30 minutes return.
From Dolamore Park carpark, the track crosses Waimumu Stream. Turn left after the bridge onto a well formed gravel track, which climbs gradually though mixed pococarp hardwood forest towards a ridge. After about 15 minutes, a sign marks a turn off towards a lookout point which provides panoramic views of the Southland Plains and even Bluff Hill and Stewart Island on a clear day.
The return section of the loop track heads downhill from here and meets up with the boardwalk section, which can be followed out to Dolamore Park.
Whisky Creek Track
Time: 2 hours (loop track) plus a 30-45 minutes side track
This section of the track is maintained to tramping track standard.
From Dolamore Park carpark, cross Waimumu Stream and turn right along the wheelchair accessible boardwalk. Turn right, cross the bridge climbing steadily to a ridge. This section of track passes through podocarp hardwood forest before crossing a hillside face on an easy grade.
A sign marks a turnoff to Poppelwells Lookout. Care is needed on the steady climb to the lookout where you are rewarded with commanding views of the Southland Plains. On a fine day seats at the lookout make it an ideal lunch spot.
Returning from Poppelwells Lookout, follow the track to Whisky Creek and then on to the car park just off Domain Road.
From the carpark the way back to the Dolamore Park picnic area is via a well formed grass track. Allow approximately two hours for the loop trip and 30-45 minutes extra for the Poppelwells Lookout side trip.
Map showing the Scenic Reserve and tracks at Dolamore Park near Gore in Southland
Getting there
Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve is located approximately 10 km to the north west of Gore, in Southland.
Places to stay
Dolamore Park provides camper facilities including toilets, power points for camper hook up, electric BBQs which are operated by a 50 cent coin and also a kitchen block with zip, sink, three pin power points and lights.
The charge for camping is $5 per night per person with school children free, payable to the park caretaker or by mailing direct to:
Gore District Council
PO Box 8
Gore 9740
Tel: +64 3 208 9080
Fax: +64 3 208 9087
Dolamore Park operating hours are 8.00 am until dusk. Late camper arrivals are by arrangement with the caretaker.
Guides and commercial tourism providers