Last updated November 2026
The Ridge Track is the long way up Mt Thomas (1023 m) in Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area, following a ridge from the Wooded Gully picnic area to a summit with panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hr 30 min to the summit. The track begins with about 800 m of forestry road, then climbs the ridge to the junction with Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route before turning east to the top.
The start, at the end of Hayland Road, is about 47 km from Christchurch. It can be combined with the Summit Track or Wooded Gully Track as a loop.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for storm treefall in the Mount Thomas Conservation Area, including down through the top half of the Ridge Track: “Some of the orange direction markers have been affected and may be pointing in the wrong direction. Extreme caution is required – not suitable for inexperienced walkers.”
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ridge Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Campground end of the Wooded Gully picnic area, end of Hayland Road
- Distance from the city
- About 47 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min to summit
- Track length
- 7 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Summit
- Mt Thomas, 1023 m
- Map
- NZTopo50 BW23 (Cust)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (storm treefall on the top half of the track; some direction markers affected). Check DOC before you go.
About Ridge Track
From the campground end of the Wooded Gully picnic area, follow the forestry road uphill for about 800 m to the signposted turn-off onto the track. From there it follows a ridge, climbing steadily to its highest point at the junction with Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route, which DOC puts at 2 hr 30 min from the start.
At the junction, the track turns east and follows the ridge for about another hour to the summit of Mt Thomas. DOC describes the views from the top as sweeping panoramas over the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps.
The Wooded Gully Track and Summit Track both branch off the Ridge Track and lead back to the picnic area, so you can make a round trip without retracing your steps.
Loop Options and Linking Tracks
Possible combinations are up the Ridge Track and down the Summit Track, or a return via the Wooded Gully Track. More experienced trampers can branch onto Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route at the ridge junction, an Expert-grade route to a small DOC bivvy.
DOC notes that walking a loop clockwise means fording a small stream near the start, because “the bridge has been removed.” Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and share your plans.
Getting There
From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui. Continue on Birch Hill Road for 6 km, turn into Hayland Road and follow it 4 km to the end. Birch Hill Road can also be reached from Rangiora via Loburn.
Track Conditions and Safety
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had this alert: “Recent storms have caused significant treefall on tracks – such as from the top of Wooded Gulley Track/Summit Track heading towards Bob’s Camp Bivvy, and down through the top half of Ridge Track.” Some orange direction markers may be pointing the wrong way, and DOC says extreme caution is required.
DOC also had an alert for the Wooded Gully Track, one of the return options: “There is a marked slip site near the top of Wooded Gully Track, close to the summit junction.” DOC says to take care on the loose footing and not to stop within this area. Check DOC before you go.
DOC’s track page notes: “Possum trapping using leg-hold traps is taking place in this area.” Trapping is allowed by permit only and leg-hold traps must be at least 50 m from the track.
Keep dogs on a leash and under control. Wasp numbers are high from January to March, so DOC suggests light-coloured clothing and carrying antihistamine. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ridge Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area: the Summit, Wooded Gully and other Mt Thomas tracks.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ridge Track take?
DOC gives 3 hr 30 min to the summit of Mt Thomas.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. It is a long, steady climb to 1023 m.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs on a leash only. DOC asks for dogs to be kept on a leash and under control because of possum trapping.
Where does it start?
At the campground end of the Wooded Gully picnic area, at the end of Hayland Road.
Is the Ridge Track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026 it was open, but DOC had a treefall alert covering the top half of the Ridge Track and said extreme caution is required. Check DOC before you go.
Can I make a loop?
Yes. Return on the Summit Track or the Wooded Gully Track.
What can I see from the top?
The Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
Does the track link to Bob’s Camp Biv?
Yes. Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route leaves the Ridge Track at its high point, 2 hr 30 min from the start.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.