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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: -43.14771, 172.52730. 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
- 1.7 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Mount Grey/Maukatere 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
Walk through mixed tawhai/podocarp forest on this short, easy walk - with a picnic area nearby this is a good option for children.
This DOC directory entry covers Grey River Nature Trail in Canterbury, within Mount Grey/Maukatere 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: 1.7 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr return
- DOC grade: Easiest
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.
Full closure of Mt Grey Access Road till October 2026; First published on 29 July 2026. Last reviewed on 2 September 2026.
Grey River Nature Trail closed; First published on 13 August 2026.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
A fine example of the diverse native forest once found on the Canterbury Plains, the walk passes through mixed tawhai/podocarp forest, including black beech, rimu, kahikatea, and mataī.
The track begins on the true right of the Grey River, which will need to be crossed on foot as the ford has been washed out. For the first 400 m the track climbs up to a look-out over the Grey River. It is then relatively flat as it leads back to the road. After crossing the road the track loops back to come out at the road again by the picnic area.
Getting there
The track starts at the Grey River picnic area, on the true right of the Grey River. Note: True right refers to the direction when looking downstream.
From Amberley, follow Douglas Road, then Cramptons Bush Road until the road reaches the Lake Janet picnic area (17 km from Amberley). Turn left into Mount Grey Road, then right into Okuku Road. Park before the Grey river and cross on foot. The ford has been washed out.
Note:
These roads pass through a commercial forest and may be closed at times. For the latest road conditions, phone Matariki Forests, +64 3 310 7612.
Be aware of heavy vehicles and logging trucks on the roads.
Know before you go
Possum trapping is taking place here
Possum trapping using leg-hold traps is taking place in this area. Ensure your dog is on a leash and under control on this track to keep them safe.
Possum trapping is allowed by permit only. Leg-hold possum traps must be a minimum of 50 m from the track.
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.
