Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area

Reviews

1. Tailored Textiles ★★★★★

   Rugged but beautifull Maunga, love going up the summit track.

   almost 5 months ago
2. Dianne Grant ★★★★☆

   We went up Ridge track - along Summit then down Mt Thomas loop. Two adults and 2 kids 9&13. Lots of breaks approx 5 hours. Steep going up, but fun. Awesome views from the top. Steep going down - take your time or make sure you have good grip on your boots. Walking poles helpful :)

   1 year ago
3. J Anderson ★★★★★

   Great moderate loop track for kids and dogs on lead. A few stairs and uphill/downhill climbs, but nothing too strenuous. Plenty of parking and shaded areas for a picnic at the start/end. Be aware of bees and wasps in late summer. Took us about an hour with stops looking at scenery and playing in the water.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Lisa M ★★★☆☆

   Great place, very peaceful and amazing scenery! Always remember bug spray or cover up well. Good place to bring youngster and dog. Only downside was the road up and parking. There are deep pits in the road and gouges so unless you have a 4wd or high under carriage on your car be prepared to have issues. Some of the potholes are very deep.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Anony Mouse ★★★★☆

   Nice track up to the top, did in a bit of snow. Good day tramp.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Yashaswin Kekre ★★★★★

   Wooded gully track is good challenging trail. There are points where trail is washed out so be careful while crossing. All in all a fun track.

   almost 3 years ago

1. W R Edwards ★★★★★

   Most of the hiking trails start from the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area. The forest can be reached by approaching from Rangiora and Loburn, or Oxford and Ashley Gorge  and is about a 1 hour drive from Christchurch. The last 4km is on a flat unsealed gravel road to the forest. Travel along Hayland Road, where a DOC sign points to the Mt Thomas conservation area. The most direct route to the summit is via the Summit Track. The summit track goes up a steep ridge to the summit of Mt Thomas, and takes approximately 2.5 hours, while slightly longer the Wooded Gully Track traverses the mountain and takes 3 hours. Hence my reason to walk clockwise and travel via Wooded Gully Track and then walk down Summit Track. All up 5.5 to 6 hours. In an interview, Jean Renoir spoke of his father the famous impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. His father showed him a painting and asked his reaction and what "he liked about it." Jean told him that he liked the painting. His father asked why? Jean answered that he could not tell him exactly because he didn’t know the history of the painting. Pierre-Auguste became furious and told him that it’s not about context and meaning but how art is expressed and if it evokes emotion. That is the reason why you climb to the summit, for the sublime beauty and grandeur of nature. Fom the summit, you are rewarded with magnificent views of Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula and the Southern Alps.

   almost 5 years ago
2. Jo Beck ★★★★★

   I went for the 1 hour loop walk, this was enough to enjoy the outdoors without having to be more prepared - easy enough to drive to from christchurch. Do pack insect repellent, toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

   more 8 years ago

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