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Mt Thomas Conservation Area
2.5 km
1 hour
95 metres
If you are looking for a slice of North Canterbury magic that doesn't require a full day’s commitment or mountaineering gear, the Kererū Loop Track is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps within the Mt Thomas Conservation Area, this 2.45km loop is the quintessential "Sunday stroll" — though it’s just as rewarding any day of the week.
The walk begins at the Wooded Gully picnic and camping area, a spacious, grassy spot that feels worlds away from the hustle of Christchurch or Rangiora. As you step onto the Wooded Gully Track, the first thing that hits you is the change in atmosphere. The air is cooler, scented with the earthy aroma of damp leaf mulch and the sweet, honey-like fragrance of native beech forest.
The initial section follows the path of the Wooded Gully Stream. It’s a gentle introduction, with the track winding through a lush undergrowth of ferns and vibrant green mosses. You’ll find yourself naturally slowing down to match the pace of the water trickling nearby. After about 20 minutes of gradual climbing — enough to get the heart rate up slightly but not enough to leave you breathless — you’ll reach a well-marked junction. Here, you’ll leave the main gully path and turn left onto the Kererū Track.
This is where the forest really wraps around you. You are now deep in a canopy of tawhai (beech) and scattered podocarps. The light here is spectacular; on a sunny day, the rays filter through the tiny beech leaves, creating a shimmering "dappled" effect on the forest floor. It feels like stepping into a scene from a storybook.
Keep your eyes peeled for a bit of "managed" adventure. Clockwise walkers will encounter a small stream crossing where a bridge was previously removed. It’s nothing to worry about for most — usually just a quick hop over some stones — but it adds a lovely touch of ruggedness that kids, in particular, tend to find very exciting.
The final leg of the journey connects you to the Red Pine Track. This section is a gentle, winding descent that guides you back down towards the car park. The path is well-maintained and wide enough in most places for a comfortable walk, making it an excellent choice for those introducing younger children to the Great Kiwi Outdoors. Because it’s a loop, the scenery is constantly changing, ensuring that every minute of your hour-long trek offers something new to look at.
The Kererū Loop Track starts from the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area. To get there from Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for approximately 13 km to Glentui. Continue on Birch Hill Road for another 6 km, then turn into Hayland Road and follow it for 4 km to the end. Birch Hill Road can also be accessed from Rangiora via Loburn.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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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Loop
The undisputed star of the show is the forest itself. While many Canterbury walks are dominated by tussock and open plains, the Kererū Loop Track is a sanctuary of dense, native greenery.
The Kererū Loop Track is located in the Mt Thomas Conservation Area, roughly an hour's drive from Christchurch.
If you are coming from Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for approximately 13 km until you reach Glentui. From there, continue onto Birch Hill Road for another 6 km. Look out for the turn-off into Hayland Road, which you’ll follow for about 4 km to the very end. The road ends at the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area, where there is ample parking, toilet facilities, and plenty of space to prep your gear.
Alternatively, if you are coming from Rangiora, you can head through Loburn and pick up Birch Hill Road from the eastern end. The drive itself is beautiful, taking you through rolling North Canterbury farmland with the imposing silhouette of Mt Thomas drawing closer as you arrive.
As the name suggests, the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) is the resident celebrity here. These large, iridescent green and white birds are common year-round. Look for them in the upper canopy or listen for the heavy flapping of their wings. They are surprisingly clumsy for such beautiful birds, often seen balancing precariously on thin branches to reach berries!
Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but the best way to see birds here is simply to stand still for two minutes. The forest is busy, and if you are quiet, the inhabitants will soon forget you're there and go about their business.
Mt Thomas, or Whakaepa in Māori, holds significant cultural and geographical importance. The area is part of the traditional seasonal trail for Māori travelling between the coast and the inland lakes and mountains.
Historically, this region was heavily forested, but much of the Canterbury Plains were cleared for farming during European settlement. The Mt Thomas Conservation Area represents one of the few remaining significant stands of native beech forest in the area. This makes it a vital "island" of biodiversity.
The tracks here are managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and the Wooded Gully area is a popular base for hunters, hikers, and campers. By walking the Kererū Loop, you’re supporting the appreciation of these protected pockets of wilderness. The transition from the tawhai/beech forest to the scattered podocarps (like Totara and Kahikatea) gives you a glimpse into what this entire region would have looked like hundreds of years ago.
No New Zealand hike is complete without the "après-hike" refuel.
If you head back through Oxford, you are spoilt for choice. The Sheffield Pie Shop has a branch in Oxford, and their award-winning pies are legendary — the perfect reward for an hour of exercise. If you prefer a sit-down meal, Café 51 offers a relaxed atmosphere and great coffee. For something more substantial, The Oxford is a classic country pub with a sunny courtyard that is very welcoming to hikers.
If you’re heading back towards Rangiora, stop by Artisans Cafe for some of the best baking in the district. There’s something about the fresh country air at Mt Thomas that makes everything taste just a little bit better!
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round