Plan & prepare
Getting there
From Christchurch take the Northern Motorway and turn left at Tram Road or Highway 72 to Oxford. As you enter the township, High Street leads north to become Ashley Gorge Road. This provides entry to the major access points of the forest.
The picnic area at Ashley Gorge is managed by the Waimakariri District Council.
Ashley River/Rakahuri access
About 6 km from Oxford turn left onto Lees Valley Road. Follow this winding gravel road for 7 km until it crosses Ashley River/Rakahuri.
This is the normal “put in” point for kayakers wishing to navigate this challenging stretch of Ashley Gorge. Exit is usually made at the Ashley Gorge bridge.
Glentui picnic area
About 5 km east of the Ashley Gorge Bridge turn left onto Glentui Bush Road. This winding gravel road emerges at the Glentui picnic area after about 2.5 km.
Blowhard Track
Ashley Gorge Road crosses Washpool Stream to becomes Birch Hill Road. After 1 km turn left onto Māori Reserve Road and follow for 3.5 km to the track-head near the Boys' Brigade Camp.
Fire
Always take care when lighting fires and use the permanent fireplaces provided. Do not cut live trees for firewood. Use dead wood or the firewood provided.
A fire permit is required for all campfires where permanent fireplaces are not used. During periods of extreme fire risk the lighting of fires and barbecues is prohibited, and some areas or tracks may be closed.
Wasp populations are high during the
summer period
Wasps
Beware of wasps here in summer. Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March each year.
It is recommended that forest users carry wasp first aid kits as a precaution. These are generally available from chemists.
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