Wharfedale Track

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Wharfedale Track is steeped in history. It was originally surveyed in 1879 as a potential road into the remote Lees Valley. While the road never eventuated, the legacy of that Victorian ambition remains in the relatively wide, graded nature of the track. Knowing you are walking on a route planned over 140 years ago adds a layer of historical magic to every step.

However, the "hidden gem" of this walk is undoubtedly the waterfall. Roughly 1km before you reach the Wharfedale Hut, keep a sharp eye out for a large orange DOC triangle. This marks a short, 80-metre detour that leads you down to a stunning waterfall and a deep, clear swimming hole. On a warm summer afternoon, there is no better feeling than shedding your pack and taking a bracing dip in the crystal-clear mountain water. It’s a photographer’s dream and the perfect spot for a long lunch.

The Wharfedale Hut itself is another highlight. A standard 10-bunk Department of Conservation hut, it sits in a serene clearing near the stream. It’s a fantastic place to meet other trampers, share stories over a portable stove, and experience the simple joy of hut life. If you have the energy, the hut serves as a gateway to more challenging routes, including the climb to the summit of Mt Oxford, which offers panoramic views across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

Getting There

Accessing the trailhead is an adventure in itself. From the town of Oxford, head south-west on SH72 and turn right onto Woodstock Road (look for the 'View Hill' sign). Follow this for about 10km, then turn right onto Ingrams Road, which eventually becomes Perhams Road.

This is a rural access road, so you’ll need to open and close several gates—please leave them as you found them! The final stretch involves crossing two fords. In dry weather, most vehicles can handle these, but after heavy rain, they can become impassable for 2WD cars. If the water looks too deep, play it safe: park up and walk the remaining 5km to the View Hill car park. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended if there has been recent rain.

Wildlife Spotting

The Mt Oxford Conservation Area is a haven for native birdlife, and the forest canopy is often alive with song. The most common companion on your walk will be the pīwakawaka (fantail). These friendly little birds are known for following trampers, flitting about to catch the insects stirred up by your boots.

Listen for the clear, bell-like notes of the korimako (bellbird) and the deep, resonant "tui-tui" of the tūī. If you sit quietly near the creek or at the hut, you might be lucky enough to spot a South Island Robin (toutouwai). These birds are incredibly inquisitive and will often hop right up to your boots to see what you’re up to.

For the eagle-eyed, the rare New Zealand Falcon (kārearea) is occasionally seen soaring above the forest clearings. They are much harder to spot, but their shrill, piercing call is unmistakable.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: The forest is at its most vibrant, with new growth and high water levels in the creeks making the waterfall particularly impressive.
• Summer: The deep shade of the beech forest provides a natural air-conditioner, making this one of the best "hot day" hikes in Canterbury.
• Autumn: The air is crisp and clear, and the mud is usually at a minimum. The light filtering through the trees during the "golden hour" is spectacular.
• Winter: The track can get quite muddy and cold, but there is a quiet, ethereal beauty to the forest in the mist. Occasionally, you’ll find a dusting of snow at the saddle.

• Start Early: To complete the full 31km return trip in one day, you’ll want to be on the trail by 8:00 am.
• Gear: Even in summer, the weather in the foothills can change rapidly. Bring a waterproof jacket, plenty of warm layers (polypro or wool), and sturdy boots. The tree roots can be slippery when wet!
• Water & Food: There is no treated water at the car park. You can fill up at the hut or from the streams, but it is recommended to treat or boil the water first.
• Multi-use Awareness: This is a shared track. If you hear a mountain bike or a horse approaching, step to the side of the trail to let them pass.

Local & Regional Context

The area around Oxford and the Wharfedale Track holds significant value for both Māori and early European settlers. For Ngāi Tahu, the foothills were a place of mahinga kai (food gathering), providing forest birds and freshwater resources.

In the late 19th century, Oxford became a bustling timber town, and the remnants of old sawmills can still be found throughout the wider region. The Wharfedale Track itself represents a bridge between that industrial past and our modern conservation focus. Today, the area is managed by the Department of Conservation with a focus on protecting the beech forest and the native species that call it home. Walking here is a way to connect with the raw, un-manicured heart of the Canterbury high country.

After the Walk

After ten hours on the trail (or even five!), you’ll have worked up a serious appetite. Luckily, Oxford is one of the best "post-hike" towns in New Zealand.

For a hearty reward, head to the Black Beech Wine & Pizza Bar. Their gourmet pizzas and boutique wines are the stuff of legend among local trampers. If you’re after a classic Kiwi cafe experience, Cafe 51 is set in a beautiful historic villa and serves up excellent coffee and home-style baking.

If you’ve got kids in tow, the Cruisy Days Diner is a must-visit. It’s a 1950s American-themed spot that does fantastic burgers and shakes—exactly what you need to refuel those tired legs. Finally, no trip to this region is complete without a stop at the Sheffield Pie Shop (about 20 minutes from Oxford). Their award-winning pies are arguably the best in the country and make for the perfect "grab-and-go" dinner for the drive home.

Whether you're visiting for the day or staying overnight at the hut, the Wharfedale Track offers a deep, soul-soothing connection to the New Zealand bush. It’s a trail that rewards effort with beauty, history, and a true sense of escape.

12km away

Set in a charming late 1800s villa, this multi-award-winning cafe in Oxford offers a delicious mix of traditional and modern cuisine, excellent coffee, and freshly baked goods. It's a homely spot popular with locals and visitors.