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Mt Oxford Conservation Area
8.2 km
2 hours 30 minutes
80 metres
If you’re looking for a quintessential Canterbury bush experience that doesn’t require scaling a mountain peak, the Korimako Track to Ryde Falls is calling your name. Nestled within the lush Mt Oxford Conservation Area, this 8.2km loop is one of those rare "goldilocks" trails: it’s long enough to feel like a proper adventure, but gentle enough that you can bring the kids and the dog along without anyone staging a mutiny halfway through.
With a modest elevation gain of just 80 metres, this track is less about the burn in your calves and more about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of native New Zealand forest. Whether you’re a local looking for a Sunday morning leg-stretcher or a visitor wanting to see the "green side" of the Canterbury Plains, this trail offers a refreshing escape into a verdant wonderland.
Your journey begins at the View Hill car park, the gateway to the rugged backcountry of the Oxford Forest. The adventure kicks off on the Wharfedale Track, a well-known route among mountain bikers and hikers alike. However, you’ll soon veer off onto the Korimako Track, where the atmosphere shifts into something much more intimate and secluded.
As you step under the canopy, you’re immediately enveloped by a thick mosaic of native beech forest. The air here is noticeably cooler and smells of damp earth and moss. The terrain is generally well-formed and easy to navigate, making it a fantastic choice for families or those new to hiking. That said, it wouldn't be a true New Zealand bush walk without a few "natural" features. You’ll encounter a fair share of tree roots criss-crossing the path like tangled veins, and if it’s rained recently, expect some muddy patches that will put your footwear to the test.
As you meander through the trees, keep your eyes peeled to the left. Every so often, the dense foliage parts just enough to offer stunning glimpses of the expansive Canterbury Plains stretching out toward the horizon, and the formidable silhouette of Mt Oxford looming nearby.
The real fun begins as you approach Coopers Creek. To get the absolute best view of the spectacular Ryde Falls, you’ll need to engage in a bit of "rock hopping" across the water. It’s an authentic bush experience that usually involves a little bit of balance and the occasional wet sock—all part of the charm! Once across, you are rewarded with the sight of the falls cascading in five distinct, delicate tiers through the forest. It’s a serene, sheltered spot that feels world's away from the hustle of city life.
Parking is available at the View Hill car park. To reach it from Oxford, turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) onto Woodstock Road. Follow this for approximately 10 km, then turn into Ingrams Road, which then becomes Limeworks Road and finally Perhams Road. An AA sign indicates the turn-off to the Wharfedale Track where the View Hill car park is located. Please note that the access road involves crossing two fords, one sealed and one unsealed, which can become impassable after heavy rain, making a 4WD vehicle advisable in such conditions. You will also encounter multiple gates that need to be opened and shut behind you. Basic toilet facilities are available at the View Hill car park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
15km away
A homely, multi-award-winning cafe in Oxford known for its delicious mix of traditional and modern cuisine, great coffee, and fresh baked goods, offering a friendly and warm place for people to meet.
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Loop
The return leg takes you via the Link Track, completing the loop. This section offers a slightly different perspective of the forest, maintaining that gentle, undulating rhythm that makes the Korimako Track such a pleasure to walk.
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is, of course, Ryde Falls. Unlike many waterfalls that are a single, sheer drop, Ryde Falls is a sophisticated five-tier affair. The water tumbles gracefully over dark rocks into clear pools, surrounded by ferns and overhanging beech branches. On a warm summer afternoon, these pools are incredibly inviting for a quick, refreshing dip—or at the very least, a place to splash your face with icy mountain water.
For the history buffs, the track holds a secret. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive panels detailing the story of the old Ryde Tramway. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this tranquil forest was a hive of industry. The tramway was a logging railway used to transport timber out of the bush. It’s fascinating to stand in such a peaceful spot and imagine the steam, the noise, and the grit of the pioneer loggers who worked these hills over a century ago.
Finally, the scenic viewpoints along the ridge offer a wonderful contrast to the deep forest. Looking out over the patchwork quilts of the Canterbury farms provides a sense of scale and reminds you just how high up you’ve climbed, even if the "easy" gradient made it feel effortless.
To find this slice of paradise, head toward the township of Oxford. From SH72 (the Inland Scenic Route), turn onto Woodstock Road. Follow this for about 10km, then turn into Ingrams Road, which eventually transitions into Limeworks Road and finally Perhams Road. You’ll see an AA sign pointing you toward the Wharfedale Track and the View Hill car park.
A quick word of advice: the access road includes crossing two fords—one sealed and one unsealed. While usually fine for most vehicles in dry weather, these can become impassable after heavy rain. If there’s been a recent downpour, a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. You’ll also encounter several farm gates; please remember the golden rule of the New Zealand high country: leave them exactly as you found them (usually closed!). The car park itself has basic toilet facilities, so you can freshen up before hitting the trail.
The Korimako Track is named after the Bellbird (Korimako), and for good reason. Their liquid, chiming song is the soundtrack to this walk. Because the forest is so lush, the birdlife is thriving.
The best way to see wildlife here is to stop, be still for two minutes, and let the forest "reset" around you. You’ll be amazed at what emerges from the shadows.
The Mt Oxford Conservation Area is a vital remnant of the vast forests that once covered the foothills of the Southern Alps. For Māori, these forests were important mahinga kai (food gathering) areas. Later, the European settlers saw the forest as a source of high-quality timber, leading to the establishment of the Ryde Tramway.
Today, the area is a testament to the resilience of nature. Much of the forest you see is regenerating, slowly reclaiming the land where the loggers once toiled. Being part of the wider Oxford Forest, this area is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to protect native species and provide recreation for the community. It serves as a crucial "stepping stone" for birds moving between the high mountains and the plains.
After 2.5 hours in the bush, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, the town of Oxford (just 15km away) is a bit of a foodie hub:
The Korimako Track to Ryde Falls isn't just a walk; it's a chance to slow down, breathe in the forest air, and appreciate the rugged beauty of the Canterbury foothills. Whether you're there for the history, the birds, or the five-tiered beauty of the falls, you'll leave feeling refreshed and reconnected with the wild.
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round (nocturnal)
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
15km away
A unique restaurant in Oxford showcasing boutique wine, craft beer, and gourmet pizzas in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
15km away
A gorgeous country hotel in Oxford, fondly known as 'The West', offering a full bar, delicious food, and a friendly welcome in a historic setting.
25km away
A bustling and welcoming bakery in Darfield, renowned for its hearty pies, rich chocolate cakes, fresh baked goods, and great coffee.