Totaranui Track

Located in Mount Thomas Forest Conservation Area in the Canterbury region

An extension to the Ashley Gorge Loop Track that gains 200 m in altitude to reach a giant totara tree, surrounded by large old matai, fuchsia and broadleaf trees.

The Totaranui Track is an unformed, relatively steep, but well-marked, link between the easier Ashley Gorge Loop Track and the Waterfall Track. Combining all three makes for a 2 1/2-hour loop. It is best walked in a clockwise direction as it can be slippery and muddy after rain.

It has some notable totara and matai trees. On the climb up, look out for a large burl on a broadleaf tree.

Beware of steep bank drop offs near some track sections.

The Ashley Gorge Tracks have been built and are maintained by the voluntary community Ashley Gorge Tracks Group in partnership with DOC.

This track starts from the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park and Reserve (9 km from Oxford), which have toilet and picnic facilities.

Follow the road down to the public car park and picnic area at Williams Flat. From the car park, follow the "Walks" signs which bring you across the Ashley River bridge. The walk starts on the other side of the river.

Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.