Pinchgut Track via the Okuku River
Tramping track
Time:
3-5 hours one way
Getting there
Mt Thomas is about 60 km northwest of Christchurch by road.
Access this track from Loburn – Whiterock Road. Near Whiterock follow Taaffes Glen Road and park your car near Fox Creek.
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
Walk along the gravel road for a further 300 metres then take a track that drops down to Okuku River. Cross Okuku River, picking up a marked track leading to a clearing. Turn right and follow another short section of marked track. Turn right onto a vehicle track, following it for 400 metres, then left onto a benched track above Okuku River.
Two large landslips are bypassed by walking along the edge of the river.
Beyond Whare Stream the track climbs steeply, then sidles along the hillside to Pinchgut Hut.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Waimakariri area.
This is a standard nine-bunk hut in the Waimakariri area.
You need to buy your hut ticket before setting out.
Plan and prepare
Maps
Infomap 260 sheet M34, Amberley covers 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 tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required
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