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Dolamore Park, Gore
1.5 km
48 minutes
50 metres
If you are looking for a slice of Southland paradise that doesn't require a full day of tramping gear and extreme fitness, the Fantail Ridge Track is calling your name. Located within the stunning Dolamore Park, just a stone's throw from Gore, this 1.5-kilometre loop is the quintessential "short but sweet" New Zealand bush experience. It is the kind of walk where the rewards far outweigh the effort, making it a firm favourite for locals heading out for a Sunday stroll and tourists looking to stretch their legs between Southland destinations.
As you step onto the well-maintained path, you are immediately enveloped in the cool, damp, and earthy scent of a regenerating native podocarp forest. The transition from the manicured lawns of Dolamore Park into the dense greenery of the Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve feels like stepping into another world. The canopy above is a rich tapestry of matai, rimu, and kahikatea trees. These ancient giants of the forest provide a verdant embrace that keeps the track sheltered and serene, even if the Southland wind is whistling across the plains outside the park.
The terrain is easy-going, featuring a gentle gradient that climbs about 50 metres in elevation. It’s enough to get the heart rate up just a tiny bit, but certainly nothing that will leave you gasping for air. The track is often combined with the Sequoia Track, creating a slightly longer journey through different forest types. Underfoot, the trail is generally firm and well-managed, though like any bush track in New Zealand, it can get a little muddy after a typical southern downpour.
What makes this walk truly special is the atmosphere. Because it is a loop, the scenery is constantly changing. One moment you are deep in the ferns, listening to the trickle of nearby water, and the next, you are emerging onto the ridge where the sky opens up and the forest reveals its secrets. It’s a fantastic introductory walk for children, providing enough "adventure" without being overwhelming, and the promise of a world-class playground back at the start is a great motivator for little legs.
The undisputed crown jewel of the Fantail Ridge Track is the panoramic vista from the ridge itself. For a modest 20-minute climb, the visual payoff is spectacular. From the elevated viewpoints, the Southland Plains unfold before you like a giant green patchwork quilt, stretching out toward the horizon. You’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Mataura Valley, a region world-famous for its brown trout fishing and rich agricultural heritage.
Ample parking is available at the main Dolamore Park car park, which is clearly signposted.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
11.2km away
Arguably Gore's most popular cafe, serving delicious Emporio coffee and a fresh, healthy menu made in-house, with breakfast served all day and options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. [cite: 10 from previous search]
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Loop
On a clear Southland day—the kind where the air feels crisp and you can see for miles—keep your eyes peeled toward the south. You can often spot the distinct silhouette of Bluff Hill (Motupōhue) and, if you are truly lucky with the visibility, the faint, rugged outline of Stewart Island (Rakiura) shimmering in the distance across the Foveaux Strait. It’s a humbling reminder of just how close you are to the bottom of the world.
Another highlight is the transition of the flora. The Fantail Ridge Track showcases New Zealand’s "regenerating" bush at its best. You can see the layers of the forest in action, from the mosses and ferns on the forest floor to the emerging hardwoods that will one day become the new giants of the Hokonui Hills. For those who enjoy a bit of photography, the way the light filters through the matai leaves creates a "god-ray" effect that is simply magic in the mid-morning or late afternoon.
If you find yourself wanting more, the track’s connectivity is a major plus. You can easily transition onto the Whisky Creek Track to find hidden waterfalls or push on to Poppelwell’s Lookout for an even higher perspective of the region.
Finding your way to the Fantail Ridge Track is a breeze. It is located within Dolamore Park, which is situated about 11 kilometres northwest of Gore.
From the centre of Gore, head west on Reaby Road. The drive takes about 10 to 15 minutes through rolling Southland countryside. The entrance to Dolamore Park is clearly signposted and hard to miss. Once you enter the park, follow the internal road to the main car park area.
There is ample parking available right at the heart of the park. This area serves as the hub for all the trails, the playground, and the picnic areas. The start of the Fantail Ridge Track is well-marked with DOC-style wooden signage, making it easy to find your bearings and head into the bush.
As the name suggests, you are almost guaranteed to meet a few Fantails (pīwakawaka) on this journey. These cheeky little birds are known for following hikers along the track, flitting from branch to branch to catch the tiny insects disturbed by your footsteps. Their fan-shaped tails and acrobatic flight patterns make them a delight to watch, and they are notoriously unbothered by human presence.
However, the fantails aren't the only residents. Listen for the melodic, bell-like chimes of the Bellbird (korimako) and the distinctive "tui-tui-tui" and guttural clicks of the Tūī. Both are common year-round and are often seen feeding on the nectar of native flowers.
If you move quietly, you might spot a Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch. These large, iridescent green and white birds are a sight to behold, though you’ll often hear the loud "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings before you actually see them. For the night owls or those visiting at dusk, the haunting call of the Morepork (ruru)—New Zealand’s native owl—often echoes through the Croydon Bush.
Top Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the forest "wakes up" or settles down. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but even without gear, the forest is a symphony of sound.
The Fantail Ridge Track is a true four-season destination, with each time of year offering a different flavour of the Hokonui experience:
The Hokonui Hills (or the "Hokonuis" as locals call them) hold a special place in New Zealand’s cultural history. For Māori, the area was a significant source of food and resources. The Croydon Bush is one of the last remaining stands of the extensive podocarp forest that once covered much of this region, making it a vital ecological link to the past.
In more recent colonial history, the Hokonuis became legendary for a different reason: illicit whisky. During the late 19th century and into the era of prohibition, the rugged, hidden gullies of these hills were home to "moonshiners" who brewed "Hokonui Moonshine." While the Fantail Ridge Track is a peaceful nature walk today, you are walking in the footsteps of those adventurous (and law-breaking) southern pioneers.
Dolamore Park itself was established to provide the community with a space that blends native conservation with exotic beauty. The park features over 190 hectares of native podocarp forest alongside 10 hectares of lawns and gardens, representing the dual heritage of the Southland landscape.
Once you’ve finished your loop and perhaps let the kids burn off the last of their energy on the Dolamore Park playground, it’s time to refuel. Gore is just a 10-minute drive away and punches well above its weight when it comes to hospitality.
If you’re after a top-tier caffeine fix, head to Cafe Ambience. It is arguably the most popular spot in town, serving Emporio coffee and a fantastic range of healthy, in-house treats. It’s a great spot if you have dietary requirements, as they are very accommodating with vegan and gluten-free options.
For a true Southland experience, you can't go past Capri Cafe. This family-owned gem is famous for its "secret-recipe" oyster soup—a must-try for any seafood lover. Their all-day breakfasts are legendary and just what you need after a morning in the hills.
If you’ve worked up a larger appetite, Rustic Cafe & Restaurant offers a unique blend of Kiwi cuisine with South African influences, focusing on local and organic produce. For something a bit more "luxe," The Thomas Green in the heart of Gore offers an opulent atmosphere and a diverse menu that makes it the region's premier dining destination.
Whether you’re a Gore local or a traveller passing through, the Fantail Ridge Track offers a perfect, bite-sized piece of Southland’s natural beauty. It’s accessible, educational, and absolutely stunning—a true must-do in the Hokonui Hills.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
11.3km away
A family-owned cafe in Gore known for home-cooked food, freshly ground coffee, one of the best all-day breakfasts in Southland, and their famous secret-recipe oyster soup. [cite: 11 from previous search]
11.3km away
An opulent restaurant and bar in Gore, known as the 'wine-and-dine' hub of the region, offering delicious and diverse food with a luxe atmosphere. [cite: 13 from previous search]
11.5km away
Offering quality Kiwi cuisine with a twist of South African flavours, using local and organic produce. They have a charming dining area and offer vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. [cite: 12 from previous search]