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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: -43.17306, 172.33134. 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
- 7 km one way
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min to summit
- 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
Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana from Mt Thomas (1023 m).
This DOC directory entry covers Ridge 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: 7 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hr 30 min to summit
- 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.
- Treefall in Mount Thomas Conservation Area; First published on 28 September 2026.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Ridge Track starts at the campground end of Wooded Gully picnic area. Follow the forestry road uphill for about 800 m to where the turn-off to the track is signposted.
Follow the ridge up to the junction with Bob's Camp Bivouac Route (2 hr 30 min). This is the highest point of the ridge before it heads in an easterly direction to Mt Thomas summit (1 hr).
Wooded Gully Track and Summit Track branch off this track and you can take either back to the picnic area.
Getting there
These tracks start from the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area.
From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui. Continue on Birch Hill Road for 6 km then turn into Hayland Road and follow this for 4 km to the end.
Birch Hill Road can also be accessed from Rangiora via Loburn.
Know before you go
NZTopo50 map sheet: 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.
