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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: -43.13112, 172.53700. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2-3 hr one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Mount Grey/Maukatere Conservation Area
- Seasonal restrictions
- Access to this track is through a commercial forest. Roads may be closed at times of extreme fire danger, during high winds or for logging operations. For the latest road conditions, phone Matariki Forests, +64 3 310 7612.
- 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
Enjoy some of the best views in Canterbury from the summit of Mt Grey/Maukatere. Combine this track with the advanced Red Beech Track for a more challenging circuit walk.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Grey/Maukatere Track 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2-3 hr one way
- 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.
- Full closure of Mt Grey Access Road till October 2026; First published on 29 July 2026. Last reviewed on 2 September 2026.
Seasonal restrictions
Access to this track is through a commercial forest. Roads may be closed at times of extreme fire danger, during high winds or for logging operations. For the latest road conditions, phone Matariki Forests, +64 3 310 7612.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track climbs steadily through native bush and small areas of pine forest before opening out on to tussock slopes leading to the trig on the summit of Mt Grey/Maukatere (934 m).
Combine this track with the advanced Red Beech Track to form a circuit walk.
Getting there
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 to reach the Grey River picnic area (3.5 km from the the Lake Janet picnic area).
The ford is no longer accessible. Parking is at the gate.
Be aware of heavy vehicles and logging trucks on the roads.
Know before you go
NZTopo50 map sheet: BW23, BV23
The ford is no longer accessible. Parking is at the gate.
No mountain bikes allowed.
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
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.
