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Ohoka
2 km
18 minutes
25 metres
If you are looking for a quintessential slice of the North Canterbury countryside that doesn’t require a full day’s commitment or heavy-duty hiking boots, you have found it. Mears Track is one of those delightful local secrets that makes the Waimakariri District so special. Tucked away near the charming township of Oxford—though often associated with the wider Ohoka region—this easy 2km loop is the perfect "reset" button for busy locals and a fantastic discovery for tourists heading inland from Christchurch.
Whether you have twenty minutes to spare on a road trip or you are looking for a safe, engaging place to take the kids and the dog for a Sunday stroll, Mears Track offers a serene immersion into a landscape that has largely disappeared from the Canterbury Plains.
Stepping onto the Mears Track feels like stepping back in time. As you leave the gravel parking area and enter the bush, the sounds of the surrounding farmland and the distant hum of the road quickly fade, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the chatter of native birds. The trail itself is a gentle, 2km loop that takes about 20 minutes to complete at a steady pace, though you will likely want to linger longer to soak in the atmosphere.
The terrain is remarkably flat, with a total elevation gain of just 25 metres, making it an "easy" grade in every sense of the word. The path is generally well-defined, though it retains a rustic, authentic feel. You might find some sections slightly overgrown with ferns or grasses, adding to the sense of being on a "secret" trail. Underfoot, the ground is a mix of soft forest floor and formed pathways, weaving through a dense canopy that provides wonderful shelter from the Canterbury sun and those famous nor’west winds.
What makes this walk particularly special is the transition from the open, windswept plains into the cool, dappled light of the forest. The track winds gracefully through the trees, offering plenty of space for children to explore safely ahead of you. Because it is a loop, there is a constant sense of discovery—every bend in the trail reveals a new giant beech tree or a patch of vibrant moss. It is a sensory experience: the earthy smell of damp leaf litter, the cool air under the canopy, and the visual feast of green on green.
To access the Mears Track, head to Oxford. From Main Street, turn right into Mill Road, then left onto Bush Road on the bend, and finally right onto Crallans Drain Road. The gravel parking area is approximately 1km from this last turnoff. Alternatively, from the western edge of Oxford, take Mill Road north for about 500 metres, turn left onto Bush Road, and then right onto Crallans Drain Road. The reserve and parking will be on your right in about 200 metres.
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
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
1.5km away
A vibrant, locally owned eatery in Mandeville Village, offering a varied menu of New Zealand classics and global favourites, a spacious bar, lush garden, and a fantastic play area for kids.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Mears Track is truly a year-round destination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
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
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