Last updated November 2026
The Summit Track in Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area climbs a steep ridge from the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area to the summit of Mt Thomas, the 1023 m peak in the North Canterbury foothills.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives 2 hr to the summit. You can return the same way or loop back to the car park on the Ridge Track or the Wooded Gully Track.
The start is at the end of Hayland Road, reached from Oxford or from Rangiora via Loburn, about 45 km from Christchurch.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for storm treefall in the Mount Thomas Conservation Area, including from the top of the Summit Track: “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 Summit Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Wooded Gully camping and picnic area, end of Hayland Road
- Distance from the city
- About 45 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 2 hr to summit
- Track length
- 3.1 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Summit
- Mt Thomas, 1023 m
- Map
- NZTopo50 BW23 (Cust)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (storm treefall; some direction markers affected). Check DOC before you go.
About Summit Track
From the Wooded Gully picnic area, the Summit Track heads up a steep ridge to the top of Mt Thomas.
From the top, DOC’s Ridge Track page describes panoramic views over the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
You can make a round trip by heading back down on the Ridge Track or the Wooded Gully Track, both of which also finish at the picnic area.
Loop Options
DOC suggests returning via the Ridge Track or the Wooded Gully Track to make a loop back to the car park. The Ridge Track follows the long ridge west of the summit and DOC gives it 3 hr 30 min from the start to the summit.
DOC’s track page notes that if you walk a loop clockwise you need to ford a small stream near the start, as the bridge has been removed. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather before you head up.
Getting There
From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui. Continue on Birch Hill Road for 6 km, turn into Hayland Road and follow it 4 km to the end. Birch Hill Road can also be reached from Rangiora via Loburn.
Track 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, one of the return options: “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’s track page notes: “Possum trapping using 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.
DOC also warns that “Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March”, and suggests light-coloured clothing and carrying antihistamine cream or tablets. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Summit 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 Ridge, Wooded Gully and other Mt Thomas tracks.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Summit Track take?
DOC gives 2 hr to the summit of Mt Thomas.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. It climbs a steep ridge.
Can I take my dog?
Dogs on a leash only. DOC asks for dogs to be on a leash and under control because of possum trapping.
Where does the track start?
At the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area at the end of Hayland Road.
Can I make a loop?
Yes. Return via the Ridge Track or the Wooded Gully Track.
What can I see from the summit?
DOC describes views over the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps.
Is the Summit Track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026 it was open, but DOC had a treefall alert after recent storms, saying extreme caution is required and that conditions are not suitable for inexperienced walkers. Check DOC before you go.
Are there wasps?
DOC says wasp numbers are high from January to March.
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.