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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -46.05887, 168.83776. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 hr plus 30-45 min side track
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Central Southland area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Follow the track through forest up to a ridge. You can also turn off to Poppelwell's Lookout to see commanding views of the Southland Plains.
This DOC directory entry covers Whisky Creek Track in Southland, within Central Southland area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2 hr plus 30-45 min side track
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From Dolamore Park carpark, cross Waimumu Stream and turn right along the wheelchair accessible boardwalk. Turn right, cross the bridge climbing steadily to a ridge. This section of track passes through podocarp hardwood forest before crossing a hillside face on an easy grade.
A sign marks a turnoff to Poppelwells Lookout. Care is needed on the steady climb to the lookout where you are rewarded with commanding views of the Southland Plains. On a fine day seats at the lookout make it an ideal lunch spot.
Returning from Poppelwells Lookout, follow the track to Whisky Creek and then on to the car park just off Domain Road.
From the carpark the way back to the Dolamore Park picnic area is via a well formed grass track. Allow approximately two hours for the loop trip and 30-45 minutes extra for the Poppelwells Lookout side trip.
Hidden Valley Track
Note: this tramping track is no longer maintained by DOC.
Time: 2 hr loop trackDistance: 3 km
Where Whisky Creek Track joins the line of an old water race, Hidden Valley Track heads off to the right along the old water race crossing two streams.
It follows the second stream for a short distance before climbing steeply through bush to an open grass and scrub glade. It then continues down through the glade meeting a track alongside Whisky Creek. Follow the track downhill until it comes out on the Whisky Creek Track. The loop is completed along the track back to the carpark.
Getting there
Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve is located approximately 10 km to the north west of Gore. Dolamore Park is located 11km from Gore at the south-west end of the Croydon Bush Scenic Reserve.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
