Last updated November 2026
The Richardson Track climbs from the Glentui picnic area near Oxford to the summit of Mt Richardson (1047 m), with views to the Puketeraki Range and over Lees Valley. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hr, though the track page describes a moderate to steep climb that suits people with moderate fitness.
The track passes through tawhai forest before reaching tussock grassland and Dracophyllum scrub on the upper slopes. You can loop back via the Blowhard and Bypass tracks. The picnic area, at the end of Glentui Bush Road in Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area, is about 50 km from Christchurch.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Richardson Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Glentui picnic area, end of Glentui Bush Road
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Track length
- 3.2 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Summit
- Mt Richardson, 1047 m
- Maps
- NZTopo50 BW22 (Oxford) and BW23 (Cust)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Richardson Track
From the Glentui picnic area, the track climbs through tawhai forest. Higher up the trees give way to tussock grassland and Dracophyllum scrub across the upper slopes of Mt Richardson.
From the 1047 m summit there are great views to the Puketeraki Range and over Lees Valley.
The climb is moderate to steep, and DOC says it is a good track for people with moderate fitness. It links with other tracks for a longer round trip.
Loop Options
From the summit area, the Blowhard Track descends towards Maori Reserve Road, and the Bypass Track leaves the Blowhard Track and follows a ridge back to the Glentui Loop Track and the picnic area.
DOC gives 4–6 hours for the round trip via the Richardson, Blowhard and Bypass tracks. 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, then turn into Glentui Bush Road and follow it 6 km to the end.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC notes that walkers going clockwise need to ford a small stream near the start, because the bridge “has been removed.” Possum trapping with leg-hold traps is taking place in this area, by permit only, with traps at least 50 m from the track, so keep dogs on a leash and under control. Wasps are numerous from January to March, so DOC suggests light-coloured clothing and carrying antihistamine.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area: “Recent storms have caused significant treefall on tracks”.
DOC’s examples were on the Mt Thomas tracks and the route towards Bob’s Camp Bivvy rather than the Glentui tracks, but it said some orange direction markers had been affected and “Extreme caution is required”. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Richardson 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 Blowhard, Bypass and Glentui Loop tracks.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Richardson Track take?
DOC gives 3 hr.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. The track page describes a moderate to steep climb for people with moderate fitness.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs on a leash only, because possum trapping is taking place.
Where does it start?
At the Glentui picnic area, at the end of Glentui Bush Road near Oxford.
What can I see from the top?
The Puketeraki Range and Lees Valley.
Can I do a loop?
Yes. Return via the Blowhard and Bypass tracks. DOC gives 4–6 hours for the round trip.
Is there a stream crossing?
Yes. Walking clockwise, you ford a small stream near the start because the bridge has been removed.
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.