Mears Track (Loop)

Loop

Despite its short length, Mears Track is packed with features that make it well worth the visit.

The absolute "star of the show" is the Mears Bush itself. This is a significant stand of native forest, preserved under a QEII National Trust covenant. Walking through here, you are looking at an original remnant of tawhiarauriki (black beech) forest. In a region that was heavily cleared for agriculture during colonial times, seeing these ancient trees in their natural state is a rare and moving experience.

For those who like to learn while they wander, the trail features several interpretive panels. These signs identify various native plants and explain the ecology of the area, making it a fantastic outdoor classroom for curious kids. Keep an eye out for the lookout point, which offers a slightly elevated perspective of the bush remnant, allowing you to appreciate the density of the canopy.

And then there is the "social" heart of the track. Many visitors are surprised to find a very large picnic table nestled within the greenery. It is an ideal spot to stop for a thermos of tea or a family snack. Throughout the walk, you will also find rustic seating areas, thoughtfully placed so you can sit in silence and wait for the local birdlife to come to you.

Getting There

Finding Mears Track is half the fun, as it takes you through some beautiful back-country roads. While it is located in the broader Ohoka/Oxford region, the most direct access is from the town of Oxford.

Option 1: From Oxford’s Main Street, turn right into Mill Road. Follow this until you reach a bend where you will turn left onto Bush Road. From there, take a quick right onto Crallans Drain Road. The gravel parking area is located about 1km down this road.

Option 2: If you are coming from the western edge of Oxford, take Mill Road north for about 500 metres. Turn left onto Bush Road, then right onto Crallans Drain Road. In this direction, you’ll find the reserve and parking on your right in just about 200 metres.

The parking area is unpretentious and gravel-based, but there is usually plenty of room for a few cars.

Wildlife Spotting

If you are a bird lover, Mears Track is a true haven. Because this pocket of bush is a "living island" of native vegetation in an otherwise cleared landscape, it acts as a magnet for local feathered friends.

• Piwakawaka (Fantail): These are almost guaranteed. They are incredibly friendly and will often follow you along the track, flitting between branches to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Korimako (Bellbird): Listen for their clear, liquid song. They are common year-round and can often be seen high in the beech canopy.
• Tauhou (Silvereye): You’ll likely see these small, green birds moving in busy flocks through the undergrowth.
• Riroriro (Grey Warbler): More often heard than seen, their delicate, trilling song is a staple of the New Zealand bush.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): If you hear a heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings, look up! These large, iridescent birds are occasional visitors and love the native berries found here.

Top Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the forest is at its quietest and the birds are most active. Bring binoculars if you have them, but even without them, the "melodic chorus" is quite something to hear.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Mears Track is truly a year-round destination.

• Spring: This is when the forest feels most alive. You’ll see fresh green shoots and the birdlife is at its most vocal during the nesting season.
• Summer: The thick canopy of the black beech forest provides a natural air-conditioner. It is significantly cooler inside the bush than out on the plains, making it a perfect escape from the summer heat.
• Autumn: While the beech trees are evergreen, the surrounding light takes on a golden hue, and the forest floor often becomes a playground for various fungi.
• Winter: There is a quiet, contemplative beauty to the track in winter. It feels more sheltered and intimate, and the crisp Canterbury air is invigorating.

What to bring: Even though it’s a short walk, New Zealand weather can be fickle. A light windbreaker is always a good idea. Because the track can be slightly overgrown or muddy after rain, sturdy walking shoes or sneakers are recommended over jandals. Don't forget your camera—the light filtering through the tawhiarauriki is a photographer’s dream!

Dogs and Kids: This is a fantastic dog-friendly walk, provided your furry friends stay on a lead to protect the ground-dwelling wildlife. It is also exceptionally kid-friendly; the short distance and flat terrain mean even toddlers can manage most of it on their own two feet.

Local & Regional Context

Mears Track isn't just a walk; it’s a memorial and a conservation success story. The bush is named after Lorna Mears, a local woman whose love for the natural world ensured this land was protected for future generations. Her generous spirit lives on in the preservation of this forest, which serves as a "living memorial."

The presence of the QEII National Trust covenant is significant. These covenants are private land protected for their natural or cultural value. In the Waimakariri District, where so much of the original lowland forest was lost to logging and farming, Mears Bush stands as a vital ecological anchor. It provides a glimpse into what the Canterbury Plains would have looked like centuries ago—a vast sea of beech forest and wetlands. By walking here, you are supporting the visibility of these crucial conservation efforts.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and filled your lungs with fresh forest air, you’ll likely be ready for a coffee or a bite to eat.

• For the Hikers: They offer a varied menu ranging from kiwi classics to global favourites.
• For the Kids: There is a fantastic play area where they can burn off any remaining energy while you enjoy a well-earned drink.
• Atmosphere: With a spacious bar and a lush garden area, it’s the perfect place to sit back and scroll through the photos you just took in the bush.

Mears Track might be short, but its impact is long-lasting. It’s a testament to what happens when a community values its heritage and nature. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by this little green haven in the heart of the Waimakariri.