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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: -43.22473, 172.23780. 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
- 3.5 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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
An out and back hike to an attractive 15 m moss covered waterfall, at its best after rain. It has a seat to rest and enjoy a spectacular view of the Canterbury Plains.
This DOC directory entry covers Ashley Gorge Waterfall Track in Canterbury, within Mount Thomas Forest Conservation 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: 3.5 km return via same track
- Walking time: 2 hr
- 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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
While still kid-friendly, this hike climbs 140 m on a steep track with formed steps. This hike can be made into a loop by combining with the Totaranui Track and the Ashley Gorge Loop Track.
Combining all three makes a 2 1/2-hour loop. It is best walked in a clockwise direction as it can be slippery and muddy after rain.
Beware of steep bank drop offs near some track sections.
The Ashley Gorge Tracks have been built and are maintained by the voluntary community Ashley Gorge Tracks Group in partnership with DOC.
Getting there
This track starts from the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park and Reserve (9 km from Oxford), which have toilet and picnic facilities.
Follow the road down to the public car park and picnic area at Williams Flat. From the car park, follow the "Walks" signs which bring you across the Ashley River bridge. The walk starts on the other side of the river.
Know before you go
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
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.
