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Dolamore Park, Gore
2 km
1 hour
30 metres
If you are looking for a slice of ancient New Zealand right on the doorstep of the "World Capital of Brown Trout," look no further than the Dolamore Loop Track. Tucked away in the rolling greenery of Southland, just a short 11-kilometre drive from the town of Gore, this trail is a beloved local secret that offers a surprisingly immersive wilderness experience for very little effort.
Whether you’re a tourist passing through on a Southern Scenic Route road trip or a local looking for a Sunday afternoon stretch of the legs, the Dolamore Loop Track delivers a sensory feast of native flora, panoramic views, and the kind of deep-forest silence that usually requires a much longer hike to find.
The adventure begins at the well-signposted Dolamore Park car park. Almost immediately, you are greeted by the gentle babble of the Waimumu Stream. Crossing the bridge here feels like stepping through a portal; you leave the manicured lawns of the park behind and enter a world dominated by towering trees and tangled ferns.
The track itself is a well-formed gravel path, making it an excellent choice for families with children or those who prefer a stable footing. As you start the loop, the trail begins a gentle, steady ascent through a vibrant mixed podocarp-hardwood forest. This isn't just any patch of trees; it is a precious remnant of the vast woodlands that once blanketed the Southland region before the arrival of pastoral farming.
As you walk, you’ll notice the air becomes cooler and noticeably fresher. The terrain is undulating but never overly taxing. One of the most striking features of this walk is the visual texture of the forest. The "green light" here is legendary, filtered through a thick canopy and bounced off curtains of Weymouthia moss that drape from the branches like emerald lace. It feels like an enchanted forest straight out of a storybook.
The track is designed to be accessible, and while there is a modest 30-metre elevation gain, it is spread out enough that you’ll barely break a sweat. Toward the end of the loop, the track transitions into a sturdy boardwalk section. This part of the trail is particularly atmospheric, lifting you above the damp forest floor and providing a close-up look at the intricate ferns and ground-cover plants that thrive in the shade.
Ample parking is available at the Dolamore Park car park, specifically at the northern track start, which is well-signposted. The park also offers extensive camping facilities, including powered sites, electric BBQs, kitchen, toilets, and showers, making it convenient for those wishing to extend their visit.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
While the entire walk is a highlight in itself, there are several standout features that make the Dolamore Loop Track a must-do:
Poppelwell’s Lookout About halfway through the loop, you will come across a signposted turn-off for Poppelwell’s Lookout. Don’t be tempted to skip this! A short, slightly steeper climb rewards you with the best views in the district. On a clear day, the Southland Plains unfold beneath you in a patchwork of vibrant greens. If the weather is particularly kind, you can see all the way to the rugged silhouette of Bluff Hill and the distant, mysterious outlines of Stewart Island (Rakiura) across the Foveaux Strait. It is the perfect spot for a photo and a quick drink of water.
The Hanging Moss Gardens Keep an eye out for the Weymouthia moss. This specific moss thrives here, creating long, drooping curtains that hang from the native fuchsia and totara trees. When the sun hits these curtains, the entire forest seems to glow with a sublime, ethereal light. It’s a dream for amateur photographers and nature lovers alike.
The Nocturnal Glow Worms If you happen to be staying overnight at the Dolamore Park campground, the loop track transforms after dark. Grab a torch (but remember to point it at the ground!) and head back onto the trail. In the damp embankments near the stream and the shaded cuttings of the track, hundreds of glow worms create a tiny, subterranean galaxy. It’s a magical experience that kids, in particular, will never forget.
Spring Rhododendrons If your visit falls during spring (September to November), the entrance to the track and the surrounding parkland are transformed by over 500 mature rhododendrons. The burst of pinks, reds, and purples against the deep green of the native bush is a spectacular sight.
Dolamore Park is located approximately 11 kilometres west of Gore. To get there, head out of Gore on Reaby Road. The drive is scenic and takes about 15 minutes, winding through the productive farmland that Southland is famous for.
Once you arrive at the park, follow the signs to the northern end. There is ample parking at the northern track start, which is clearly marked. The park is very well-maintained, and you’ll find the trailhead easily near the picnic areas.
For those travelling in campervans or looking to make a weekend of it, the park offers extensive camping facilities. There are powered sites, electric BBQs for a post-walk sausage sizzle, a clean kitchen, and hot showers. It’s one of the most convenient and picturesque places to stay in the region.
The Dolamore Loop is a sanctuary for native birdlife. Because the forest is a remnant of ancient bush, it provides a vital habitat for many species that have disappeared from the surrounding plains.
Tip: The best time for bird watching is early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or "evening song" is at its peak. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, as the canopy can be quite dense.
The Dolamore Loop Track is truly a walk for all seasons, but each brings its own flavour:
The area surrounding Gore and the Hokonui Hills (which Dolamore Park sits on the edge of) has a rich and colourful history. For Māori, the region was an important source of food and seasonal transit. The name Waimumu refers to the stream you cross, part of a landscape etched with ancestral stories.
In later colonial years, the Hokonui Hills became legendary for a different reason: "Hokonui Moonshine." The rugged, hidden valleys were the perfect place for illicit whiskey distilling in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While you won’t find any hidden stills on the Loop Track today, the sense of isolation and thick cover makes it easy to see why the "Hokonui" brand became famous throughout New Zealand.
Today, Dolamore Park represents a significant conservation effort. By maintaining this 95-hectare block of native forest, the local community is preserving a vital ecological link and providing a space where people can reconnect with the natural heritage of the South Island.
Once you’ve finished your loop and perhaps played a round of disc golf or let the kids loose on the excellent playground, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Gore is just a few minutes away and has some fantastic options for refueling:
The Dolamore Loop Track is proof that you don't need to head deep into the Southern Alps to find a world-class walking experience. It’s accessible, beautiful, and uniquely Southland.
Anthornis melanura
Renowned for its melodious, bell-like song, it plays a vital role in pollinating native plants.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round