Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route
Route
Time:
5 hr one way
Getting there
Mt Thomas is about 60 km northwest of Christchurch by road and is reached through Rangiora and Loburn, or Oxford and the Ashley Gorge.
The major access point into the forest is Hayland Road, which turns off Birch Hill Road. Wooded Gully picnic and camping area is at the end of Hayland Road.
About the area
Mt Thomas Forest and the Wooded Gully picnic area lie in the foothills of the Southern Alps, an hour by car from Christchurch.
Description
From Wooded Gully Picnic Area, follow Wooded Gully Track (see Mt Thomas walking tracks) until you reach the saddle at the head of the valley.
Turn left and follow Ridge Track until you reach the sign marking the start of Bob’s Camp Bivouac Route.
From the sign follow the marked route along the ridgeline, dropping steeply into beech forest. Follow the undulating route northwest along the ridgeline until you reach a tussock clearing above Cattle Peak Stream. From here follow the poled route down to Bob's Camp Biv.
Water can be obtained from the upper tributaries of the Cattle Peak Stream east of the biv.
Total times:
From Wooded Gully Picnic Area to turn-off onto Ridge Track - 3 hours.
From Ridge Track to Bob's Camp Biv - 2 hours.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Waimakariri area.
This is a basic two-bunk hut in the Waimakariri area.
Plan and prepare
This route is unmarked and is suitable for experienced and well-prepared parties only.
Maps
Infomap 260 sheets L34 Puketeraki and M34 Amberley cover the Mt Thomas Forest.
Fire
Always use the permanent fireplaces provided and take care when lighting fires. Do not cut live trees for firewood.
A fire permit is required for all other fires. During periods of extreme fire risk the lighting of fires is prohibited, and some areas or tracks may be closed.
Dial 111 to report fire.
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.
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required
back to top