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Mt Thomas Conservation Area
11.7 km
5 hours
710 metres
If you’re looking for a proper Canterbury tramping experience that’ll get the heart rate up while rewarding you with some of the best views in the region, the Bypass Track—typically walked as part of the Mt Richardson Loop—is calling your name. Tucked away in the Mt Thomas Conservation Area near Oxford, this trail is a local favourite for those who want to escape the city crowds and find themselves deep in the foothills of the Southern Alps.
This isn't just a gentle stroll through the park; it’s a 11.7km circuit that demands respect, boasting a 710-metre elevation gain and terrain that can be as rugged as it is beautiful. Whether you’re a local wanting a weekend burner or a tourist looking to see the "real" New Zealand bush, this track delivers a quintessential slice of the South Island.
Your journey begins at the Glentui picnic area, a peaceful spot where the air is thick with the scent of native forest. While the Bypass Track itself is a key connector on the eastern side of the catchment, most hikers tackle this as a loop, usually ascending via the Richardson Track.
The climb starts almost immediately. You’ll find yourself encased in a stunning canopy of tawhai (beech) and podocarp forest. One of the first things you’ll notice is the sweet, slightly musky scent of honeydew. This is produced by small scale insects living in the bark of the beech trees, and it’s a vital food source for native birds (and, unfortunately, wasps in the summer—more on that later).
As you push higher, the track living up to its "hard" rating, the forest begins to thin. The transition from the deep, cool shade of the bush to the exposed alpine zone is one of the highlights of the walk. You’ll emerge into a world of golden tussock and Dracophyllum scrub. This is where the sweat pays off. As you reach the summit of Mt Richardson (1047 metres), the Canterbury Plains unfold beneath you like a giant patchwork quilt, stretching all the way to the blue smudge of the Pacific Ocean at Pegasus Bay and the rugged silhouette of the Banks Peninsula.
From the summit, the loop follows the Blowhard Track. The name isn't an exaggeration; this ridge is exposed to the elements, and the wind can certainly "blow hard" here. The views along this section are relentless and spectacular, looking back toward the Puketeraki Range and the hidden world of Lees Valley.
The trail starts from the Glentui picnic area. To get there from Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui, then turn into Glentui Bush Road and continue for 6 km to the end. Free parking and public toilets are available at the trailhead.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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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Loop
The final leg of the circuit brings you onto the Bypass Track. This section guides you back down into the Glentui River catchment. While it’s technically the "way down," don't switch off just yet. The track here can be steep, notoriously rooty, and often quite muddy after a bit of Kiwi rain. It requires a bit of nimble footwork, but the lush, green surroundings make for a serene conclusion to the high-alpine drama of the summit.
* The 360-Degree Summit: Standing at 1047m on the Mt Richardson summit offers a perspective of Canterbury that few other accessible tracks can match. On a clear day, the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana look close enough to touch. * Glentui Falls: Just a short side trip near the start of the Richardson Track, these falls are a hidden gem. It’s worth the extra few minutes to see the water cascading over the rock face into the cool pool below. * The "Blowhard" Ridge: There is something incredibly liberating about walking a high-altitude ridge line. The sense of scale here is immense, making you feel very small in the best possible way. * The Honeydew Cycle: Take a moment to look closely at the black sooty mould on the beech trees. You’ll see the tiny silver threads of the scale insects. It’s a fascinating, unique part of New Zealand’s forest ecology.
To find the trailhead, head to the township of Oxford. From there, follow Ashley Gorge Road for about 13 km until you reach the Glentui area. Turn into Glentui Bush Road and follow it for 6 km right to the very end.
The road is metalled (gravel) toward the end, so take it easy. There is a good amount of free parking at the Glentui picnic area, along with public toilets and some lovely spots for a pre-hike stretch or a post-hike sandwich.
The Mt Thomas Conservation Area is a haven for native birdlife. Because of the abundance of beech honeydew, the forest is often ringing with song.
* Fantail (Piwakawaka): These friendly little birds will likely follow you for the first few kilometres, flitting around to catch the insects your boots stir up. * Grey Warbler (Riroriro): You’ll hear their long, trilling song throughout the forest, though they are notoriously difficult to spot in the canopy. * Bellbird (Korimako) & Tūī: Keep an ear out for the clear, bell-like notes of the Korimako and the more boisterous, metallic calls of the Tūī. They are particularly active when the native trees are in flower. * Kererū: The heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings usually gives away the New Zealand wood pigeon before you see its iridescent green feathers. * Morepork (Ruru): If you happen to be at the picnic area at dusk or dawn, listen for the iconic "mopoke" call of our native owl.
The Bypass Track and Mt Richardson Loop are open year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the adventure:
* Spring: The forest is vibrant with new growth, and the birdlife is at its most vocal. * Summer: The most popular time, but be warned: wasp populations can be very high from January to March. If you are allergic, carry your medication. The heat can also be intense on the exposed ridges, so a 9:00 AM start is highly recommended to beat the midday sun. * Autumn: Expect crisp, clear days with the best visibility for those alpine views. * Winter: This track can get a dusting of snow and the upper sections often harbour ice. The Bypass Track descent can become a bit of a "mud-slide" in mid-winter, so sturdy, waterproof boots and perhaps a pair of gaiters are a must.
A note on companions: This track is dog-friendly, provided your pooch is under control. However, due to the steepness and the five-hour duration, it is not considered kid-friendly for younger children.
The Mt Thomas Conservation Area sits within the traditional territory of Ngāi Tahu. For centuries, these foothills served as important mahinga kai (food gathering) areas, where Māori would travel to hunt birds and gather forest resources. The area is part of a wider landscape that connects the mountains to the sea, a concept central to the Māori worldview of ki uta ki tai.
Geologically, the area is part of the "Greywacke" basement rock that forms much of the Southern Alps. The rugged nature of the tracks reflects the uplift and erosion that has shaped the Canterbury foothills over millions of years. Today, the area is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) with a focus on protecting the remaining pockets of native forest from pests like possums and stoats.
After five hours on your feet, you’ll have earned a treat. Head back into Oxford, which is widely considered the "Pie Capital" of the region.
* The Sheffield Pie Shop (Oxford Branch): You cannot leave without trying one of their award-winning pies. It’s a rite of passage for Canterbury hikers. * Cafe 51: A great spot for a proper barista coffee and a big brunch if you finished your hike around lunchtime. * The Oxford Working Men’s Club: If you’re after a cold beer and a classic "pub grub" vibe to celebrate your summit, this is the place to go.
The Mt Richardson Loop via the Bypass Track isn't just a walk; it’s a challenge that leaves you feeling accomplished and deeply connected to the Canterbury landscape. Just remember to watch your footing on those roots!
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
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
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round (mostly heard at night)