Best playgrounds in Gore

The Mataura River splits the district's two playground trips neatly: one on the river flat in town, one up under the Hokonui foothills for a proper day out. Hamilton Park in East Gore keeps it simple, a swing set and bike track by the water with picnic tables close by, and the miniature railway that loops the northern end of the reserve draws families from right across the district on running days.

Dolamore Park is the bigger outing, eleven kilometres out under the Hokonui Hills, where a flying fox, climbing wall and slide sit inside ninety five hectares of native podocarp forest shared with the camping ground. It suits school-age and older kids best, and there's parking and a picnic area right at the play equipment. Between the two, the choice on any given day comes down to a quick town stop or a proper bush outing.