Last updated November 2026
The Red Beech Track runs between the summit of Mt Grey/Maukatere and the Grey River picnic area in North Canterbury, and DOC suggests combining it with the Mt Grey/Maukatere Track to form a circuit. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3–4 hr one way.
The track is steep in places and crosses patches of scree, and DOC says it is easier to descend than climb. About halfway down you ford the Grey River, which DOC says should only be attempted in low flows. The picnic area is about 47 km from Christchurch, via Amberley.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Red Beech Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start / finish
- Mt Grey/Maukatere summit and the Grey River picnic area (parking at the gate)
- Distance from the city
- About 47 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 3–4 hr one way
- Track length
- 6.4 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- River crossing
- Grey River ford, about halfway (low flows only)
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Maps
- NZTopo50 BW23 and BV23
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Red Beech Track
The Red Beech Track is in the Mount Grey/Maukatere Conservation Area. DOC suggests pairing it with the Mt Grey/Maukatere Track to make a circuit of the mountain, and says the Red Beech Track is easier to descend than climb.
From the summit, the track drops steeply in places and crosses patches of scree on its way down towards the Grey River. About halfway down you ford the river, then continue to the Grey River picnic area.
The circuit gives you the summit views from Mt Grey/Maukatere along with a more rugged descent.
The Grey River Crossing
DOC’s track page notes: “The ford across the Grey River is no longer accessible. Park at the gate before the river and cross the river on foot. This should only be attempted in low flows.” DOC adds that you should check the river level at the picnic site before starting: if water is flowing over the ford, DOC says it will be too dangerous to cross on the Red Beech Track.
If in doubt, don’t cross. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and share your plans before you go.
Getting There
From Amberley, follow Douglas Road and then Cramptons Bush Road to the Lake Janet picnic area, 17 km from Amberley. Turn left into Mount Grey Road, then right into Okuku Road, and continue 3.5 km to the Grey River picnic area. Park at the gate before the river.
Watch for heavy vehicles and logging trucks on the roads. DOC notes that access is through a commercial forest and roads may be closed at times of extreme fire danger, during high winds or for logging operations. For the latest road conditions, DOC says to phone Matariki Forests on +64 3 310 7612.
Track Conditions and Safety
Possum trapping with leg-hold traps is taking place in this area. Trapping is by permit only and traps must be at least 50 m from the track, and DOC asks for dogs to be 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: Red Beech 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: Mt Grey/Maukatere Track: the easier route to the summit, for the circuit.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Red Beech Track take?
DOC gives 3–4 hr one way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. It is steep in places, crosses scree and includes a river ford.
Should I go up or down the Red Beech Track?
DOC says it is easier to descend than climb, and describes descending from the summit via the Red Beech Track to the Grey River picnic area.
Can I cross the Grey River?
Only in low flows. Check the river level at the picnic site first. DOC says that if water is flowing over the ford, it is too dangerous to cross.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs on a leash only, because of possum trapping.
Where do I park?
At the gate before the Grey River, at the Grey River picnic area on Okuku Road.
Can I bike it?
No. Mountain bikes are not allowed.
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.