The best running trails around Gore

Gore offers a diverse selection of running routes. Our guide features over a dozen routes, with a total of 14 trails for you to explore. These range from moderate to more challenging options.

Yes, for those seeking more challenging runs, the rising terrain of the Hokonui Hills provides opportunities for trail running with significant elevation. While many routes are moderate, some offer more strenuous climbs. For example, the Lac Saint-François-Xavier loop from Montfort features an elevation gain of 145 meters.

Gore's running routes showcase a variety of natural landscapes. You can jog along the banks of the Mataura River, through undulating plains, and into the regenerating native forests of areas like Dolamore Park and Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve. The Hokonui Hills also offer picturesque backdrops and elevated views.

Yes, the Waikaka Way Walkway is a picturesque 1.3 km (one way) route that follows the Waikaka River and is known to be dog-friendly. It's a great option for a run with your canine companion.

Many of the running routes in Gore are designed as loops, offering convenient circular paths. For instance, within Dolamore Park, you can find diverse routes like the Dolamore Loop Track, the Fantail Ridge – Sequoia Loop Track, and the Whisky Creek Track, all providing varied scenic views.

While jogging in Gore, you can encounter several interesting sights. Poppelwell's Lookout within Dolamore Park offers panoramic views of the Southland Plains, Bluff Hill, and even Stewart Island on clear days. The Gore Public Gardens provide a tranquil, aesthetically pleasing backdrop with seasonal blooms and magnificent specimen trees. You might also spot native New Zealand bird species in the native bush areas.

Absolutely. Dolamore Park and Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve offer numerous tracks of varying lengths and difficulties, making them suitable for families. You can choose shorter, easier strolls or longer adventures depending on your family's fitness level, all within a beautiful forest setting.

While Gore has local transport options, direct public transport routes specifically to Dolamore Park or Hamilton Park are generally limited. It's often recommended to use a personal vehicle or taxi service to reach these more secluded park and reserve locations.

The running routes in Gore are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, from riverside paths to forest trails, and the well-maintained parks that offer a variety of settings for their runs.

Generally, permits are not required for jogging on the established public trails and walkways within Gore's parks and reserves, such as Dolamore Park or the Waikaka Way Walkway. These areas are freely accessible for recreational use.

Bannerman Park is often considered a 'hidden gem' within Gore. It features a colorful array of flowers year-round and a small stream, providing a charming and serene environment for an afternoon run away from more crowded areas.

Gore offers pleasant jogging conditions throughout much of the year. Spring brings beautiful seasonal blooms in the gardens and parks, while autumn provides stunning foliage as leaves change color. Summer is generally warm and suitable for early morning or late afternoon runs, and even winter can be enjoyable with appropriate gear, especially on the well-maintained paths.

Yes, many of the popular running locations in Gore, such as Dolamore Park and Hamilton Park (for the Waikaka Way Walkway), offer dedicated parking facilities, making it convenient to access the trails.