Last updated November 2026
The Ashley Gorge Waterfall is a 15 m, moss-covered fall in the Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area, 9 km from Oxford in North Canterbury. DOC’s Ashley Gorge Waterfall Track reaches it from Ashley Gorge Reserve, starting across the Ashley River bridge from the Williams Flat car park and picnic area.
Allow about 2 hours there and back. DOC grades it easy and calls it kid-friendly, but it climbs 140 m on a steep track with formed steps. The falls look their best after rain. The track is about 47 km from central Christchurch in a straight line.
Practical Information
- Start
- Williams Flat car park and picnic area, Ashley Gorge Reserve; the track begins across the Ashley River bridge
- Distance from the city
- About 47 km from Christchurch; 9 km from Oxford
- Walking time
- About 2 hours return
- Climb
- 140 m
- Grade
- Easy (steep in places, with formed steps)
- Height of the falls
- 15 m
- Track type
- Out-and-back walking track, with a loop option
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation, with the volunteer Ashley Gorge Tracks Group
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Ashley Gorge Waterfall
From the public car park at Williams Flat, follow the “Walks” signs to the Ashley River bridge. The waterfall track starts on the far side and soon begins to climb. DOC describes it as a steep track with formed steps, gaining 140 m on the way up, so expect a steady uphill effort rather than a flat stroll.
The reward is a 15 m waterfall draped in moss. DOC notes it is at its best after rain, when more water spills over the rock. A seat at the top gives a place to rest, with a view out over the Canterbury Plains.
The track was built and is looked after by the volunteer Ashley Gorge Tracks Group working with DOC. It suits families with children who are happy on steps, and it makes a good half-day outing combined with a picnic at Williams Flat or at the reserve.
Making It a Loop
You can join the waterfall track to the Totaranui Track and the Ashley Gorge Loop Track for a circuit of about two and a half hours. DOC recommends walking it clockwise, because the tracks can be slippery and muddy after rain.
Track Conditions
DOC warns of steep bank drop-offs beside some sections, so keep children close. Wasp numbers are high from January to March: wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream or tablets. Check DOC before you go for any track changes.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ashley Gorge Waterfall Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ashley Gorge Waterfall walk take?
About 2 hours there and back. The loop with the Totaranui and Ashley Gorge Loop tracks takes about two and a half hours.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy and kid-friendly, but it climbs 140 m on a steep track with formed steps.
Where does it start?
Park at Williams Flat in Ashley Gorge Reserve, 9 km from Oxford, follow the “Walks” signs and cross the Ashley River bridge.
How high is the waterfall?
DOC describes it as a 15 m moss-covered waterfall.
When is it best?
After rain, when there is more water over the falls.
Are there toilets?
DOC lists toilets and picnic facilities at Ashley Gorge Holiday Park and Reserve, and picnic facilities at Williams Flat.
Are there wasps?
Yes, numbers are high from January to March. Wear light colours and carry antihistamine.
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