Croydon Bush & Dolamore Park
Introduction
Croydon Bush, surrounded by farmland, shows what much of Southland once looked like with forest, grassland and shrubland communities.
Fantail
Native podocarp hardwood forest is home to a range of birds including bellbird, kukupa (NZ pigeon), South Island fantail and tomtit, grey warbler, brown creeper, silvereye and tui. One of the most stunning times to visit Croydon Bush is at Christmas when the forest blushes with an abundance of flowering rata.
Adjacent Dolamore Park encompasses 95 hectares of native podocarp forest, expansive lawn areas and a range of exotic plantings. Extensive areas of mature rhododendrons make a spectacular show in spring.
Features
Croydon Bush
Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve
In 1893 the then mayor of Gore, Mr D L Poppelwell made a case to the government for the protection of the "fast disappearing bush." This resulted in 130 ha being protected in 1895. Subsequent additions have increased the reserve to 867 hectares.
Dolamore Park
Dolamore Park was named in honour of the Dolamore family whose gift of £30,000 in 1947 made the development of the picnic area and facilities possible. Today the park is administered by the Gore District Council.
Grant's Bush
The eastern end of Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve, accessed from Croydon Bush Road, is locally known as Grant's Bush. The Hokonui Tramping Club maintains three routes in this area.
Location
Croydon Bush is located approximately 10 kilometres to the north-west of Gore. Dolamore Park lies in the south-western end of the Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve.
Tracks and walks
Map of the Croydon Bush and Dolamore Park area
Within Croydon Bush there are several tracks and routes maintained by the Department of Conservation, Gore District Council and Hokonui Tramping Club. The map shows those tracks managed by the Department of Conservation.
Other tramping opportunities are available on marked routes which are maintained by the Hokonui Tramping Club. Contact the Hokonui Tramping Club in Gore for more information about these tracks.
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
Southland
New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 208 9080
Fax: +64 3 208 9087
Dolamore Park operating hours are 8:00am until dusk. Late camper arrivals are by arrangement with the caretaker.
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