Last updated November 2026
Ryde Falls is a five-tier waterfall in the Oxford Forest Conservation Area near Oxford, North Canterbury. The shortest way in is DOC’s Wharfedale Track from the View Hill car park: 3 km and 1 to 2 hours each way, turning off about 20 minutes into the forest to drop down to the creek.
A longer route comes in from the Coopers Creek car park, and a link track joins the two. DOC grades the tracks easy, but the last stretch needs a creek crossing that DOC says can be uncrossable during and after heavy rain.
The falls are about 56 km from central Christchurch in a straight line, which makes them a day trip from the city.
Practical Information
- Start
- View Hill car park (Wharfedale Track), or Coopers Creek car park at the end of Mountain Road
- Distance from the city
- About 56 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 1 to 2 hours one way from View Hill; 3 hours one way from Coopers Creek
- Track length
- 3 km one way from View Hill; 7 km one way from Coopers Creek
- Grade
- Easy
- Dogs
- ChristchurchNZ: dogs allowed, kept under control at all times
- Track type
- Walking and tramping tracks, with a link track for a circuit
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- 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 Ryde Falls
The falls step down in five tiers, “hidden in the heart of Oxford forest” as ChristchurchNZ puts it. From View Hill, the Wharfedale Track heads into the forest and, after about 20 minutes, a side track turns off and descends to the creek below the falls. You then cross the creek to reach the viewpoint.
The alternative start is the Coopers Creek car park. DOC’s Ryde Falls Track from there takes about 3 hours one way over 7 km: it first crosses cleared private land with views across the plains, then enters beech forest before descending to Coopers Creek.
The link track lets you make a circuit to the falls from either car park, or walk between the two car parks in about 3 hours.
DOC also notes an information panel about the area’s saw-milling history, near the old Ryde Tramway, which is now closed.
With a round trip of two to four hours from View Hill, it suits walkers comfortable on narrow, sometimes muddy forest tracks.
Getting There
View Hill: from 4 km south of Oxford, turn off SH72 onto Woodstock Road and follow it for 10 km, then take Ingrams Road and Limeworks Road, which becomes Perhams Road. An AA sign marks the Wharfedale Track turn-off. DOC warns that two fords on Perhams Road may become impassable in heavy rain, and that a 4WD vehicle is advisable.
Coopers Creek: 2 km south of Oxford, turn off SH72 onto Woodside Road, follow it for 7 km, then turn into Mountain Road and drive to the car park at the end.
The Creek Crossing and Track Conditions
You must cross the creek to reach the waterfall viewpoint, and DOC says it can be uncrossable during and after heavy rain. If the water is up, turn back. The track can be muddy after rain, is narrow, and can be slippery near the viewpoint, so take extra care with children.
Wasp numbers are high from January to April: wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream or tablets. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to check the forecast.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ryde Falls tracks: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
ChristchurchNZ: Top 5 Canterbury waterfalls: Ryde Falls and other waterfall walks in Canterbury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the quickest way to Ryde Falls?
The Wharfedale Track from the View Hill car park: 3 km and 1 to 2 hours one way.
How long is the walk from Coopers Creek?
About 3 hours one way over 7 km.
Can I do a loop?
Yes. A link track makes a circuit to the falls from either car park.
Do I need to cross a creek?
Yes, to reach the viewpoint. DOC says it can be uncrossable during and after heavy rain.
Do I need a 4WD?
DOC advises a 4WD for Perhams Road, which has two fords that may become impassable in heavy rain.
Can I bring my dog?
ChristchurchNZ says dogs are allowed if kept under control at all times. Check DOC before you go.
Are there wasps?
Yes, numbers are high from January to April.
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