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Croydon Bush Road, Gore
6.2 km
2 hours 48 minutes
495 metres
If you find yourself in Southland, most people will point you toward the world-famous tracks of Fiordland. But for those in the know, there is a rugged, heart-pumping gem sitting right on Gore’s doorstep. The Richardson Track, located within the Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve, is a proper Southland adventure. This isn't your average Sunday stroll through a manicured park; it’s a challenging, unmaintained tramping route that rewards the gutsy hiker with some of the most expansive views in the region.
The Hokonui Hills—or "The Hokonuis" as the locals call them—rise sharply from the Southland Plains, and the Richardson Track takes you right into their wild heart. Whether you’re a local looking to test your fitness or a visitor wanting to see the "real" Southland away from the tourist buses, this loop offers a slice of native wilderness that feels remarkably remote despite being just a ten-minute drive from town.
The journey begins at the Grant’s Bush car park at the very end of Croydon Bush Road. While the Richardson Track itself is technically a one-way route, almost everyone tackles it as a loop by combining it with the Middle Ridge Track and Grant’s Knob Track. This 6.2-kilometre circuit is a masterclass in varied terrain, but be warned: it’s classified as hard for a reason.
As soon as you leave the car park, the track makes its intentions clear. You’ll head straight into an unmaintained tramping environment. This is "real" New Zealand tramping—think steep gradients, tangled tree roots, and rocky outcrops. The first leg of the climb takes you through a pine plantation before you transition into the dense, lush native bush that makes the Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve so special.
Under the canopy, the air is cool and smells of damp earth and moss. You’ll need to keep your wits about you and your eyes on the ground; the track is often rough and can be incredibly slippery, especially after a bit of Southland rain. You’ll find yourself grabbing onto sturdy trunks for leverage and navigating rocky sections that require sure footing. It’s an invigorating ascent that will have your lungs working and your legs burning in the best way possible.
As you gain elevation, the forest begins to thin, and you’ll notice a change in the vegetation. The towering podocarps give way to sub-alpine scrub and eventually open tussock grasslands. This transition is one of the most rewarding parts of the hike. One moment you are encased in a deep green world of ferns, and the next, the horizon opens up.
Easy parking is available at the Grant's Bush car park, located at the end of Croydon Bush Road.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Rhipidura fuliginosa
A friendly and acrobatic bird, it often flits close to humans to catch insects disturbed by their passage.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
7.1km away
A family-run cafe known for home-cooked food, freshly ground coffee, all-day breakfasts, and famous oyster soup, ideal for a post-hike refuel.
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Loop
The climax of the walk is reaching the summit of East Peak, sitting at approximately 620 metres. Standing on the peak, the wind usually whipping through the tussock, you get a true sense of the scale of the Southland landscape. The descent via the loop provides a fresh perspective on the hills, winding back down through the different ecological zones until you find yourself back at the tranquil Grant’s Bush car park.
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the summit of East Peak. On a clear day, the 360-degree panorama is nothing short of spectacular. To the south and east, the Southland Plains stretch out like a vast green patchwork quilt, with the silver threads of the Mataura River winding through the landscape. You’ll have a bird’s-eye view of Gore and the Waimea Plains, and if you’ve timed it right, the light hitting the hills provides an incredible backdrop for photos.
Another highlight is the sheer diversity of the environment. Because you are climbing nearly 500 metres in a relatively short distance, you experience a "miniature" version of New Zealand’s vertical ecology. The transition from the dark, moody native forest into the golden, wind-swept tussock is a sensory shift that makes the effort of the climb feel entirely worth it.
For those who appreciate the rugged side of nature, the "unmaintained" character of the Richardson Track is a feature in itself. It’s a track that demands respect and offers a sense of solitude and "wildness" that is becoming harder to find on the more popular Great Walks.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward. From the centre of Gore, head northwest for about 10 kilometres. Follow the signs for Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve, which will lead you onto Croydon Bush Road. Follow this road right to the very end, where you’ll find the Grant’s Bush car park.
The car park is well-maintained with plenty of space, making it an easy starting point for your adventure. Just remember that once you leave the car park, you are on your own—there are no facilities on the track itself, so make sure you’ve used the loo and checked your gear before you head into the trees.
The Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve is a haven for native birdlife, and the sounds of the forest will be your constant companion on the lower half of the track. Because this is a significant remnant of native forest, the bird density is quite high.
Pro tip: The best time for bird watching is early morning when the "dawn chorus" is at its peak. Walk quietly and stop occasionally to just listen; you’ll be surprised at how much more you see when you aren't focused solely on the steep climb!
The Richardson Track is best tackled in Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Winter can be a bit of a slog. The track becomes very muddy and the rocky sections can get icy and treacherous. Unless you are an experienced tramper comfortable with heavy mud and cold conditions, it’s best to save this one for the warmer months.
A note on safety: This track is not dog-friendly and is not suitable for children due to the steep, rugged terrain and the technical nature of the footing. Please leave your furry friends at home to protect the native wildlife.
The Hokonui Hills hold a special place in Southland’s history. While they are perhaps most famous in colonial folklore for "Hokonui Moonshine"—the illicit whiskey distilled in these hidden valleys during the prohibition era—their natural history is just as fascinating.
The Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve is one of the last remaining large stands of indigenous forest on the Southland Plains. Before European settlement, much of this region was covered in dense podocarp forest. Today, reserves like Croydon Bush are vital "islands" of biodiversity. For the local Māori, these hills provided a source of food and materials, and the reserve remains a place of significance for its natural heritage.
By walking the Richardson Track, you are stepping into a landscape that has remained largely unchanged while the plains below were transformed into farmland. It’s a reminder of the wild, untamed Southland that existed centuries ago.
After 2.75 hours of vertical climbing and navigating roots, you’ll likely be ready for some serious refueling. Thankfully, Gore has some fantastic spots just a short drive away.
The Richardson Track is a challenging, rewarding, and quintessentially Southland experience. It will push your fitness, but the view from the top of the Hokonuis is one you won't soon forget. Happy tramping!
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
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
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
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica australis
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Males are dark grey-black; females are paler.
Best time: Year-round
7.1km away
Arguably Gore's most popular cafe, serving delicious Emporio coffee and a fresh, healthy menu made in-house, with all-day breakfast and vegetarian/vegan options.
7.2km away
A stylish public house and dining room in the heart of Gore, offering elegant dining, bar snacks, coffee, and an extensive selection of ales and fine wines.
7.4km away
Offering a delicious selection of modern and classic dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a family-friendly atmosphere and bar meals available.