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Dolamore Park, Gore
5 km
2 hours 30 minutes
300 metres
If you find yourself wandering through the heart of Southland, just a stone's throw from the vibrant town of Gore, you might think you’ve seen all the rolling emerald hills the region has to offer. But tucked away at the base of the Hokonui Hills lies a local treasure that feels a world away from the surrounding farmland. Dolamore Park is the gateway to the Whisky Creek Track, a trail that perfectly captures the rugged, mysterious, and lush spirit of the deep south.
Whether you are a local looking for your weekly dose of nature or a tourist traversing the Southern Scenic Route, this 5km loop offers an immersive experience. It is the kind of walk where the air feels heavy with the scent of damp moss and ancient wood, and the history is as thick as the canopy above.
The journey on the Whisky Creek Track begins at the main Dolamore Park carpark. For the first few minutes, you might feel like you’re in a curated botanical garden. There is a beautifully maintained, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that eases you into the environment, crossing gentle streams and passing through manicured green spaces. It’s a soft start, but don’t let it fool you—the "real" bush is waiting just around the corner.
As the boardwalk ends, the track begins its steady, honest climb. You’ll find yourself ascending through a magnificent ancient podocarp-hardwood forest. This isn't just a patch of trees; it’s a living museum of New Zealand’s botanical history. Massive Rimu, Matai, and Totara reach toward the sky, their trunks draped in ferns and epiphytes. The terrain underfoot transitions into a more traditional tramping track—expect a mix of dirt, roots, and the occasional muddy patch, especially if Southland has been living up to its rainy reputation.
The climb involves a 300-metre elevation gain, which earns the trail its moderate difficulty rating. It’s enough to get the heart rate up and the lungs working, but it’s perfectly achievable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. The path meanders along a scenic ridge, offering glimpses through the foliage of the valleys below. One of the most evocative parts of the walk is crossing an old logging trail. As you walk this section, you can almost hear the echoes of the heavy saws and bullock teams that worked these hills over a century ago.
Ample parking is available at the Dolamore Park carpark, which serves as the trailhead for the Whisky Creek Track. Toilets are also provided at the carpark.
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
11.5km away
A popular Gore cafe known for its delicious Emporio coffee and fresh, healthy, in-house made menu with European-inspired flavours, offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
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Loop
The loop is well-marked, but it does require a bit of sure-footedness on the steeper sections. For families, it’s a fantastic adventure; kids will love the "secret" feeling of the dense bush and the various bridges. Just remember to keep an eye on them during the ridge sections and the occasional slippery descent.
The Whisky Creek Track is punchy—it packs a lot of "wow" moments into its two-and-a-half-hour duration.
First and foremost is the optional side trip to Poppelwell’s Lookout. If you have the energy, do not skip this. It adds about 30 to 45 minutes to your total time, but the reward is the best seat in the house. From the lookout, the canopy opens up to reveal a breathtaking panorama of the Southland Plains. On a clear Southern day, the visibility is staggering; you can trace the horizon all the way to Bluff Hill and, if the sky is truly behaving, the jagged silhouette of Stewart Island (Rakiura).
Back on the main loop, you’ll encounter Whisky Creek Falls. While they may not be the tallest falls in the country, they possess a quiet, tranquil beauty that invites you to stop and linger. The water tumbles over dark rocks into a pool that feels hidden from the rest of the world.
Speaking of rocks, keep your eyes peeled for a geological oddity: pinky-red coloured rocks scattered in certain sections of the track. This isn't a natural mineral tint; it’s the result of a subterranean coalmine fire that burned deep underground for several years. The intense heat literally "baked" the earth and rocks above, changing their chemistry and colour forever.
Finally, there is the lore of the creek itself. The name "Whisky Creek" isn't just a marketing gimmick. During the prohibition era in the Gore District, the secluded gullies of the Hokonui Hills became the headquarters for illicit whisky stills. The creek provided the pure water needed for the legendary "Hokonui Moonshine," and the dense bush provided the perfect cover from the "revenue men" (police). Walking here feels like walking through a page of New Zealand’s rebellious past.
Getting to the trailhead is a breeze. From the centre of Gore, follow Reaby Road for about 12 kilometres (roughly a 15-minute drive) until you reach the entrance to Dolamore Park.
The park is a fantastic facility in its own right. There is ample parking at the main carpark, which serves as the trailhead for several walks, including the Whisky Creek Track. You’ll find clean toilets, picnic areas, and a playground near the entrance, making it a great spot to reorganise your gear before heading into the trees or to relax once you’ve finished the loop.
The Hokonui Hills are a haven for native birdlife, and the Whisky Creek Track offers a front-row seat to their daily antics. Because the forest is so lush and relatively undisturbed, the bird song here can be quite deafening (in the best way possible) during the morning and evening choruses.
Pro tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you’re a keen birder, and try to stay quiet near the stream sections—this is where you’re most likely to see birds coming down for a drink.
The Hokonui Hills (or Nga-Hokonui) hold a special place in the cultural landscape of Southland. For local Māori, these hills provided a source of food and transit. Later, they became synonymous with the "Hokonui Moonshine" era. Gore was a "dry" district for many years, leading to a thriving underground economy. The whisky produced here gained a reputation for being remarkably high quality—and remarkably strong!
The area is also geologically significant. The Hokonui Hills are part of a massive fold in the earth's crust, and the presence of coal seams led to the industrial history mentioned earlier. Today, Dolamore Park and the surrounding tracks are managed with a focus on conservation, allowing the regenerating bush to reclaim the land where logging once dominated. It is a testament to the resilience of the New Zealand environment.
Once you’ve finished the loop and worked up an appetite, head back into Gore to refuel. The town has a surprisingly sophisticated cafe and dining scene.
For a relaxed vibe, Cafe Ambience (11.5km away) is a local favourite. They serve fantastic Emporio coffee and have a wide range of healthy, in-house made food. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for vegan or gluten-free options after your hike.
If you want a taste of local history and heart, try Capri Cafe (11.6km away). This family-run institution has been around for over twenty years. They are famous for their oyster soup—a true Southland delicacy—and their all-day breakfasts are legendary among hungry hikers.
For something a bit more upscale, The Thomas Green (11.5km away) is the place to go. It’s a beautiful restaurant and bar that offers a "wine-and-dine" experience. It’s the perfect place to sit back, perhaps with a glass of local Pinot Noir, and toast to a successful day on the trails.
The Whisky Creek Track is more than just a walk; it’s a journey through the heart of Southland’s nature and history. Whether you’re there for the birds, the views, or the "moonshine" lore, it’s a trail that will leave you with a genuine appreciation for this rugged corner of the world.
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
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
11.5km away
An opulent restaurant and bar in Gore, offering a fine dining experience with delicious and diverse food, known as the 'wine-and-dine' hub of the region.
11.6km away
A family-run cafe in Gore serving home-cooked food from tried and true family recipes for over twenty years, famous for its oyster soup and offering a great all-day breakfast.