Hamilton Park

The miniature railway is the talking point that brings families to Hamilton Park from across the Gore District and Southland. Running on raised 7 and a quarter, 5, and 3 and a half inch track at the northern end of the reserve, it has been a fixture of the park since 1989 and remains one of the few operating miniature railways in the South Island open to the public. Rides cost two dollars a go, with a twelve-ride concession ticket available.

The park occupies 23 hectares of flat green belt along Railway Esplanade in East Gore, on the edge of Gore's central residential streets. The reserve follows the Waikaka River on one boundary, and a track runs along the river before exiting on Toronto Street, giving visitors a pleasant loop walk with parking at both ends. Open space in the park is substantial, with plenty of grass for informal ball games, kite flying, or simply letting children run. The surrounding area is quiet and residential, with Gore's main shopping and services a short drive away and the Gore Aquatic Centre accessible nearby.

Beyond the railway, the park has a solid range of active facilities. The playground was upgraded in recent years with new swings and a wheelchair-accessible area, along with a BBQ and shelter that make it a practical choice for a family picnic. The Gore BMX Club track is located within the park and is open to visitors when club events are not on, catering to younger riders through to confident teens. A mountain bike skills course rounds out the cycling options and provides more technical terrain than the BMX track. A fenced dog exercise area at the park means dog owners can let their animals off-lead without it affecting the playground or family spaces.

The playground suits children from toddler age upward, and the wheelchair-accessible design means the site is usable for families with mobility equipment. The flat terrain throughout the reserve is pram-friendly. Older children and teens will find the BMX track and mountain bike course the main draw, while younger kids gravitate toward the swings and picnic area near the BBQ shelter.

Facilities include public toilets on-site. Parking is available at Railway Esplanade and at the Toronto Street end of the river track. The BBQ and shelter can be used on a drop-in basis. The reserve is managed by Gore District Council and serves as a regular venue for community events including Parks Week activities.

With a rating of 4.6 from over fifty visitors, Hamilton Park consistently earns strong marks. Regular reviewers mention the miniature railway as the highlight, with families noting it makes the park a genuine half-day destination rather than a quick neighbourhood stop. The combination of the railway, BMX, mountain bike course, and playground in one flat accessible reserve makes this one of the more complete family parks in the Southland region.