Hamilton Park
Hamilton Park is one of Gore’s centres of sport. The 23ha park in East Gore provides a stunning flat area of green belt, perfect for recreation in all forms.
Plantings and trees edge the park. Some trees have heritage status due to them being planted in 1943 to commemorate Anzac Day. Mass plantings have also been undertaken over the years alongside the Waikaka Stream for both beautification and to aid positive environmental impacts.
Park history
Originally known as the East Gore Domain, the park was established by the Gordon Town Board. A separate board was created to manage the park – the Gordon Domain Board. The board decided at its first meeting in 1879 an area of land must be set aside to become a domain, and the area must remain protected from future development.
The Gordon Domain Board lasted for 25 years until its amalgamation with the Gore borough in 1904.
Another name change came in 1916 when it became Anzac Park. However, the name was not well used.
In 1957, yet another name change was mooted – this time to G C Hamilton Park, in recognition of a long serving councillor and his dedication to creating and preserving parks in the Gore District.
The Gore District Council took over management of the park’s pavilion and public buildings in 1996, with these often leased to members of the public and local clubs for functions and events.
Activities for all
From cricket to the area's first park run, Hamilton Park is one of the most popular reserves in Gore and home to various sporting clubs and codes.
It is also one of the venues for the Gore and Districts Kennel Association's shows.
You will find gore’s dog park at Hamilton Park. There are areas for small dogs and large dogs. You can also walk your dog around the perimeter of the park off its leash, but please ensure you have the dog under control.
You can learn more about the dog park here.
Cycling trails
A mountain bikers’ skills course has been added to the park in recent years, while the playground has grown too, in keeping with the demands of the local community – including new swings, a wheelchair accessible area, and BBQ and shelter.
Use this link for details about the bike trail.
The park is home to the Gore BMX Club. Visitors are welcome to use the track whenever there are no club events on. The track is a fun track to suit all levels. Riders can also find an easy-ride bike track around the edges of Hamilton Park.
Model trains
The Gore Model Engineering Club is a small group of dedicated members, first formed in 1988, who enjoy taking the young and ‘not so young’ for train rides at Hamilton Park.
It has a miniature railway line at the northern end of the park. Created in 1989, the line features raised 7 1/4", 5" and 3 1/2" track. It only costs $2 a ride, or you can buy a 12 ride concession ticket for $20.
The track is open during the summer and available for private functions.
Upcoming train ride schedule:
October 9th and 23rd | November 13th and 27th | December 11th and 18th | January 14th and 28th |
February 11th and 25th | March 11th and 25th | April 8th and 22nd | May 6th and 20th |
Aerial view of miniature railway line.
Waikaka Walk Way
The Waikaka Walk Way is a lovely short walk along the Waikaka Stream. It is part of Hamilton Park, an area popular with walkers, dog owners, and cyclists.
The walk is easy-going and primarily flat, offering rural views and access to the stream for fishermen. It takes only about 10 minutes to walk one way, but there is an option for a 30-minute loop.
