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Mt Thomas Conservation Area
11.7 km
5 hours
754 metres
If you are looking for a proper Canterbury leg-stretcher that trades city noise for high-altitude silence and sweeping views, the Blowhard Track is calling your name. Tucked away in the Mt Thomas Conservation Area, just a short hop from the charming town of Oxford, this loop is a local favourite for a reason. It is rugged, it is steep, and it certainly lives up to its name when the wind starts to howl across the ridges.
Whether you are a seasoned tramper looking for a weekend challenge or a tourist wanting to see the "real" New Zealand backcountry without driving deep into the Southern Alps, this 11.7-kilometre circuit offers a concentrated dose of everything we love about the North Canterbury foothills. From lush native beech forest to haunting "skeleton" trees and 360-degree vistas, the Blowhard Track is a rewarding journey that will leave your heart pumping and your camera roll full.
The journey begins at the Glentui picnic area, a serene spot that serves as the gateway to the Mt Richardson track network. Don’t let the peaceful start fool you, though—the Blowhard Track is a "hard" rated trail, and it makes its intentions known almost immediately.
As you set off, you are plunged into a beautiful world of native tawhai (beech) forest. The air here is often cool and damp, smelling of moss and earth. The initial climb is steady and demanding, following what begins as an old 4WD track. As you gain elevation, the track narrows into a classic single-file bush trail. This is where you’ll really start to feel the 754-metre elevation gain. The terrain can be a bit of a scramble in places, with loose rocks, exposed tree roots, and deep ruts carved by years of rainfall and foot traffic.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this walk is the changing vegetation. As you climb higher toward the 1047-metre summit of Mt Richardson, the tall, stately beech trees begin to shrink. They become stunted and gnarled, shaped by the harsh alpine elements. Eventually, the forest gives way entirely, and you emerge onto the exposed open grasslands of the ridge.
This is the "Blowhard" section, and it is here that the track earns its reputation. The ridge is frequently buffeted by strong winds, often the famous Canterbury Nor'wester. Walking along this exposed spine feels like being on top of the world. To complete the loop, you’ll traverse the ridgeline before descending via the Richardson and Bypass Tracks. The descent is just as steep as the climb, winding back down through the Glentui River catchment. It can be quite muddy after rain, so watch your footing as you head back under the canopy toward the picnic area.
The primary trailhead for the Mt Richardson loop, which includes the Blowhard Track, is the Glentui picnic area, located at the end of Glentui Bush Road. There is ample parking available at this picnic area. To reach Glentui from Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for approximately 13 km, then turn into Glentui Bush Road and continue for another 6 km to the end. Access to the Blowhard Track directly from Maori Reserve Road requires prior permission from the landowner.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
19km away
A homely, multi-award-winning cafe set in a historic 1800s villa, offering a delicious mix of traditional and modern cuisine, great coffee, and fresh baked goods in a friendly community atmosphere.
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Loop
While this is a fantastic adventure for fit adults and their four-legged friends (it is dog-friendly!), it is generally considered a bit too gruelling for young children. If you’re bringing a dog, just remember they’ll need plenty of water too, as the ridge is bone-dry.
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the view from the summit of Mt Richardson. On a clear day, the panorama is nothing short of breathtaking. To the west, you look down into the hidden world of the Lees Valley, a vast high-country basin. Turn your gaze east, and the Canterbury Plains unfold like a giant patchwork quilt, stretching all the way to the blue arc of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. On the horizon, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana stand as a dramatic backdrop.
Another unique feature is the graveyard of "skeleton trees" along the upper ridge. These silver, weather-beaten trunks are the remains of a massive wildfire that swept through the Lees Valley back in 1980. They stand as a poignant, beautiful reminder of the landscape's history and resilience, providing a stark contrast against the golden tussock and blue sky—perfect for some atmospheric photography.
Reaching the trailhead is a straightforward drive from Christchurch or Rangiora. Head to the township of Oxford, which is a great place to stop for last-minute supplies. From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for about 13 km. Keep an eye out for the turn-off into Glentui Bush Road, then follow that for another 6 km until you reach the very end.
The road ends at the Glentui picnic area, where you’ll find plenty of parking and basic toilet facilities. This is the primary starting point for the loop. Note that while there is an access point from Maori Reserve Road, that route crosses private land and requires prior permission from the landowner, so the Glentui entrance is the best bet for most hikers.
As you move through the different altitudinal zones, keep your ears open for the sounds of the New Zealand bush. The lower beech forests are home to a variety of native birds.
The Blowhard Track is accessible year-round, but your experience will change dramatically with the seasons.
The Mt Thomas Conservation Area is part of the rugged foothills that separate the Canterbury Plains from the high country. For Ngāi Tahu, the local Māori iwi, these mountains and river catchments have long been places of seasonal food gathering (mahinga kai) and significant landmarks for travel.
The area also tells a story of colonial change. Much of the original podocarp forest was logged in the 1800s, leaving the hardy beech forest we see today. The 1980 fire was a defining moment for the Lees Valley ecology, and observing how the bush is slowly regenerating around the old "skeletons" gives you a real sense of the slow, patient pace of nature in the high country.
After five hours on your feet, you’ll likely be starving. Luckily, Oxford is only 20 minutes away and punches well above its weight when it comes to post-hike kai (food).
The Blowhard Track is a challenge, but standing on that ridge with the wind in your hair and the whole of Canterbury at your feet, you’ll know it was worth every step.
Circus approximans
New Zealand's largest bird of prey, the kāhu (Swamp Harrier) is often seen soaring slowly over open country, wetlands, and farmlands.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
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A social hub in Oxford since 1887, offering a traditional pub atmosphere for locals and visitors.
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Step back in time at this 1950s-themed American diner, serving delicious food, excellent coffee, and old-fashioned hospitality with a Kiwi twist.