Last updated November 2026
The Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route is an Expert-grade route in Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area to Bob’s Camp Biv, a small DOC bivvy that DOC describes as “a cute bivvy with an unusual curved roof.” It starts at the Wooded Gully picnic area and joins the Ridge Track before following a marked ridgeline route through beech forest and down a poled route to the bivvy. DOC gives 5 hours one way. This is a route rather than a formed track.
The start is about 50 km from Christchurch, at the end of Hayland Road. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for storm treefall in the Mount Thomas Conservation Area, including on the way towards Bob’s Camp Bivvy: “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 Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Wooded Gully picnic area, end of Hayland Road
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 5 hr one way
- Track length
- 4.4 km
- Grade
- Expert
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Hut
- Bob’s Camp Biv (DOC bivvy, 2 bunks)
- Map
- NZTopo50 BW23 (Cust)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (storm treefall towards Bob’s Camp Bivvy; some direction markers affected; slip site near the top of Wooded Gully Track). Check DOC before you go.
About Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route
From the Wooded Gully picnic area, follow the Wooded Gully Track to the saddle at the head of the valley, then turn left onto the Ridge Track and follow it to the sign that marks the start of the route. DOC gives about 3 hours to this junction.
From there the marked route follows the ridgeline and drops steeply into beech forest, then continues north-west along an undulating ridge to a tussock clearing above Cattle Peak Stream. A poled route leads down from the clearing to the bivvy, about 2 hours from the junction.
Bob’s Camp Biv
Bob’s Camp Biv is a small DOC bivvy with an unusual curved roof. DOC lists it in the Basic/bivvies category, with 2 bunk beds, mattresses, a non-flush toilet and water from the stream. DOC’s route page doesn’t give fees or booking details, so check the DOC bivvy page before you go.
DOC says water is available from the upper tributaries of Cattle Peak Stream, east of the bivvy. From the bivvy, the Cattle Peak Route links to Pinchgut Hut, which DOC puts at about 3 hours.
Getting There
From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui, continue 6 km on Birch Hill Road, then turn into Hayland Road and follow it 4 km to the end. Birch Hill Road can also be reached from Rangiora via Loburn.
Route 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, which this route follows to the saddle: “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 notes that you need to ford a small stream near the start when walking clockwise, as the bridge has been removed. Wasp numbers are high from January to March, so DOC suggests light-coloured clothing and carrying antihistamine.
DOC’s Ridge Track page notes that possum trapping with leg-hold traps takes place in that area, so keep dogs on a leash and under control. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route: 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: Bob’s Camp Biv: details for the bivvy.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reach Bob’s Camp Biv?
DOC gives 5 hours one way from the Wooded Gully picnic area: about 3 hours to the Ridge Track junction and 2 hours from there.
How hard is the route?
DOC grades it Expert. It is a marked route with steep sections, not a formed track.
What is the bivvy like?
DOC describes it as a cute bivvy with an unusual curved roof. DOC lists 2 bunk beds. Check the DOC bivvy page for fees.
Is there water at the bivvy?
DOC says water is available from the upper tributaries of Cattle Peak Stream, east of the bivvy.
Is the route open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026 it was open, but DOC had a treefall alert on the way to Bob’s Camp Bivvy, with some markers affected, and said extreme caution is required. Check DOC before you go.
Where does it start?
At the Wooded Gully picnic area at the end of Hayland Road, via the Wooded Gully and Ridge tracks.
Can I link to Pinchgut Hut?
Yes. DOC gives about 3 hours from Pinchgut Hut to Bob’s Camp Biv via the Cattle Peak Route.
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.