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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: -43.18898, 172.23295. 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
- 3.2 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
Climb to the summit of Mt Richardson (1047 m) for great views to the Puketeraki Range and over Lees Valley.
This DOC directory entry covers Richardson 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: 3.2 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hr
- 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.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track starts at the Glentui picnic area. It is a moderate to steep climb. It goes first through tawhai forest and then through tussock grasslands and Dracophyllum scrub on the upper slopes of Mt Richardson.
From here it is possible to continue on Bypass Track to form a loop back to the Glentui picnic area, or down Blowhard Track to come out on Maori Reserve Road.
This is a good track for people with moderate fitness.
Getting there
Start this track at the end of Glentui Bush Road.
From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui. Turn into Glentui Bush Road and follow this for 6 km to the end.
Know before you go
NZTopo50 map sheets: BW22 (Oxford), BW23 (Cust)
You will need to ford a small stream close to the beginning of the track when walking in a clockwise direction, as the bridge has been removed.
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.
