Hard Out

OXFORD FOREST CONSERVATION AREA

Oxford Forest Conservation Area covers an area of 11,350 hectares with tracks through the tawai/beech and scattered podocarp forests. Choose from day walks, overnight tramps or mountain biking (permitted on the Wharfedale Track only). Lighting of fires is prohibited during periods of extreme fire risk, and some areas or tracks may be closed.

Please note these tracks are managed by Department of Conservation and it is advised to always check their website for any closures prior to embarking on your journey.

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Wharfedale Track

Time/Distance: 3 hours one way, 15km.

Grade: 4: Advanced

Access:

View Hill car park. From Oxford, drive west on SH72 for about 2km, turn right into Woodstock Road. Travel 10km, turn right up Ingrams Road which turns into Perhams Road. Take the sign posted road to the Wharfedale Track at the View Hill car park. (Heavy rain may stop access on fords). Leave gates as you find them.

Description:

Viewing: Beech Forest, Dobson Stream.

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Location: Mt Oxford Forest Conservation Area

Townshend Track (From the Wharfedale Hut to Lees Valley)

Time/Distance: 8.5km.

Grade: 4: Advanced

Access:

From end of Wharfedale Track

Description:

Note: This is a 4WD track from the end of Wharfedale Track to Lees Valley across private farmland. Access may be restricted during lambing. Townshend River is crossed twice; this might not be possible if river levels are high.

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Location: Mt Oxford Forest Conservation Area

GLENTUI (MOUNT THOMAS FOREST CONSERVATION AREA)

Glentui is part of Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area. It is a very popular recreational area that offers visitors a variety of track options from easy walks through the native bush, to moderately steep climbing to the Mt Richardson summit where there are sweeping views of the Puketeraki Range and Lees Valley.

Mountain biking is permitted on the Blowhard Track only. Horse riders also use the Blowhard Track so cyclists take care and watch for other track users.

Important Information: Lighting of fires is prohibited and some tracks may be closed so check with the local DOC office first.

Blowhard Track

Time/Distance: 3 hours one way (uphill), 10km.

Grade: 4: Advanced

Access:

Park at the end of Maori Reserve Road.

Description:

Adjoining Tracks: Mount Richardson (3 hrs one way) and Bypass Track (1-2 hrs one way downhill). Note: Mountain bikers must return on the Blowhard Track as cycling on the other tracks is not permitted. This is also a popular track for horse riding. Bikers give way to horses.

Location: Glentui (Mount Thomas Conservation Area)