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Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area
Head up the western side of Wooded Gully Stream to a huge rimu before returning to Wooded Gully picnic area on the Wooded Gully Track.
Distance
5.8 km
Walking time
2 - 3 hours return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
11 October 2026
Areas of early low cloud otherwise fine. Isolated afternoon showers, mainly about the foothills. Northeasterlies, then northwesterly from afternoon but light winds south of Rakaia River then becoming southerly there at night.
12 October 2026
Fine. Northeasterlies developing for a time in the afternoon and evening.
13 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Rain, easing in the evening. Light winds.
15 October 2026
Rain developing. Southerlies developing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
The Red Pine Track begins at the campground end of the Wooded Gully picnic area. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to follow the track as it runs alongside the stream through a beech forest and eventually connects with the Wooded Gully Track. Just before the track turns right towards Wooded Gully, there is a notable and rare rimu tree (red pine) that is worth stopping to see, as it is one of the few remaining in this forest. Return by following Wooded Gully Track back to the picnic area.
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
Wooded Gully campsite is a great camping spot which is suitable for families and dogs and features a great stream to play in.
This track starts from the Wooded Gully camping and picnic area. From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui. Continue on Birch Hill Road for 6 km then turn into Hayland Road and follow this for 4 km to the end. Birch Hill Road can also be accessed from Rangiora via Loburn. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dogs on a leash only.
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.
