Red Beech Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The track is steep and easier to descend than climb. Combine this track with the Mt Grey/Maukatere Track to form a circuit of Mt Grey/Maukatere.

This DOC directory entry covers Red Beech 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: 3-4 hr one way
• DOC grade: Advanced

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 these tracks 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

From the summit of Mt Grey it's possible to descend via Red Beech Track to the Grey River picnic area. This track is steep in places, over patches of scree, and is easier to descend than climb.

About half way down you'll need to ford the Grey River. Check the river levels at the picnic site before starting your trip – if the water is flowing over the ford, it will be too dangerous to cross the river on Red Beech Track.

Combine this track with the Mt Grey/Maukatere Track to form a circuit of Mt Grey/Maukatere and enjoy the views from the summit.

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).

Note:

• The ford across the Grey River is no longer accessible. Park at the gate before the river and cross the river on foot. This should only be attempted in low flows.

• Be aware of heavy vehicles and logging trucks on the roads.

Know before you go

NZTopo50 map sheet: BW23, BV23

The ford across the Grey River to the Grey River picnic area is no longer accessible. Park at the gate before the river and cross the river on foot. This should only be attempted in low flows.

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.