Red Pine Track

Loop

The track eventually connects with the Wooded Gully Track, which guides you back down towards the valley floor. The descent is gentler on the knees and offers a different perspective of the gully, following the contour of the hills before depositing you back at the picnic area just in time for a well-earned snack.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed star of the show is the giant Rimu tree. While much of the Mt Thomas forest is secondary growth, this "Red Pine" is a relic of the past. Its weeping, scale-like foliage and massive trunk make for a fantastic photo opportunity. Standing at the base of this giant, you really get a sense of what New Zealand looked like hundreds of years ago.

Another highlight is the Wooded Gully stream. Near the beginning and end of the loop, the track hugs the water’s edge. The stream is crystal clear, tumbling over moss-covered boulders and creating small, icy pools. On a hot summer day, the sound of the water alone is enough to lower your heart rate.

For those who enjoy a bit of a "treasure hunt," keep an eye out for the transition in forest types. You’ll move from the drier beech forest into areas with more lush ferns and mosses as you move through the gullies. It’s a masterclass in New Zealand forest ecology, all contained within a two-and-a-half-hour walk.

Getting There

To reach the Red Pine Track, you’ll want to head towards the Wooded Gully camping area.

If you are coming from Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for about 13 km until you reach Glentui. From there, continue onto Birch Hill Road for another 6 km. You’ll see the turn-off for Hayland Road—follow this for 4 km right to the very end where the picnic area is located.

For those coming from Rangiora, you can take the back road through Loburn, which eventually connects with Birch Hill Road. Be aware that the final stretch of road into the conservation area can be narrow and gravelled in places, so take it easy, especially if you’re in a smaller vehicle. There is plenty of parking at the campground, along with basic toilet facilities and picnic tables.

Wildlife Spotting

The Mt Thomas Conservation Area is a haven for native birdlife, and the Red Pine Track is one of the best places to see them. Because the forest is so dense and well-protected, the "bush telegraph" is usually in full swing here.

• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to join you. They love the insects stirred up by hikers' boots, so don't be surprised if one flits around your head for a good portion of the trail.
• Korimako (Bellbird): Listen for their clear, liquid song which sounds like small bells ringing. They are common here year-round, usually high up in the canopy.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): Keep an ear out for a heavy "whoosh-whoosh" sound. These large, iridescent green and white birds are quite clumsy flyers and are often seen perched on branches, gorging on berries.
• Tītipounamu (Rifleman): If you’re lucky, you might spot New Zealand’s smallest bird. They are tiny, high-pitched, and move incredibly fast along the trunks of the beech trees.

Pro tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the forest is at its most vocal. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but often just standing still for two minutes will result in the birds coming to you.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Red Pine Track is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings a different flavour:

• Spring: The forest is vibrant and lush, and the birdlife is at its most active and vocal during the breeding season.
• Summer: The deep shade of the beech forest provides a welcome escape from the Canterbury heat. However, be mindful of wasps from January through to March. They can be prevalent in beech forests due to the honeydew produced by scale insects; if you are allergic, ensure you carry your medication.
• Autumn: Generally the most stable weather for hiking in Canterbury. The crisp air makes the climb much more comfortable.
• Winter: While it can get frosty and the track may be a bit slippery with mud, the forest looks magical in the low winter light. Just ensure you wear sturdy boots with good grip.

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or boots are a must, especially for the stream crossing and the rooty sections of the climb.
• Water & Food: There is no treated water on the trail, so bring at least 1-2 litres per person.
• Sun & Bug Protection: Even under the canopy, the NZ sun is fierce. Also, a bit of insect repellent can’t hurt if the sandflies are out near the stream.
• Layers: It can be significantly cooler in the gully than in the open Oxford township, so bring a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.

Local & Regional Context

The Mt Thomas Conservation Area is part of the foothills of the Southern Alps. For the local Māori, this area was part of the vast network used for seasonal food gathering and travel. The name Mt Thomas itself comes from the early European surveyors, but the land has a much deeper history as a source of mahinga kai (traditional food resources).

In the mid-to-late 1800s, the surrounding area was heavily logged for its timber, which was used to build the growing settlements on the Canterbury Plains. The fact that the Red Pine Track still contains a giant Rimu is a small miracle and a testament to how some pockets of the original "Big Bush" managed to escape the axe. Today, the area is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), with ongoing efforts to control pests like possums and stoats to allow the native bird populations to thrive.

After the Walk

After 2.5 hours of tramping, you’ll likely have worked up a significant appetite. The nearby town of Oxford (about a 20-minute drive) is the perfect place to refuel.

• The Oxford Baker: Famous throughout Canterbury for their pies. Grabbing a hot steak and cheese pie and sitting on the village green is a quintessential post-hike ritual.
• Cafe 51: A great spot for a proper "hiker's brunch" or a coffee and a slice of cake. They have plenty of outdoor seating and a very relaxed vibe.
• The Sheffield Pie Shop: If you’re heading back towards Christchurch via the inland scenic route, it’s worth the slight detour for what many consider the best pies in the South Island.

The Red Pine Track is more than just a walk; it’s a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the ancient, quiet pulse of the New Zealand bush. It's dog-friendly (on a leash), kid-approved, and just challenging enough to make that post-hike pie taste even better.

Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.

Best time: Year-round