Mt Grey/Maukatere tracks
Located in Mount Grey/Maukatere Conservation Area in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Enjoy some of the best views in Canterbury from the summit of Mt Grey/Maukatere (934 m).Walking and tramping
Easy: Walking trackAdvanced: Tramping track
Seasonal restrictions
Access to these tracks is through a commercial forest. Roads may be closed at times of extreme fire danger, during high winds or for logging operations. For the latest road conditions, phone Rayonier NZ Ltd, +64 3 310 7612.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Lower part of the track to Mt Grey/Maukatere Image: Janey Thomas ©
![Lower part of the track to Mt Grey/Maukatere.]( "Lower part of the track to Mt Grey/Maukatere.")
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Switchbacks on the track to Mt Grey/Maukatere Image: Janey Thomas ©
![Switchbacks on the track to Mt Grey/Maukatere]( "Switchbacks on the track to Mt Grey/Maukatere")
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View from Mt Grey/Maukatere Image: Janey Thomas ©
![View from Mt Grey/Maukatere.]( "View from Mt Grey/Maukatere.")
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Track from Mt Grey/Maukatere Image: Janey Thomas ©
![Track from Mt Grey/Maukatere.]( "Track from Mt Grey/Maukatere.")
Combine these tracks to form a circuit over Mt Grey/Maukatere.
Mt Grey/Maukatere Track
Time: 2–3 hr one way
Track category: Walking track
The track climbs steadily through nativebush and small areas of pine forest before opening out on to tussock slopes leading to the trig on the summit of Mt Grey/Maukatere.
Red Beech Track
Time: 3–4 hr one way
Track category: Tramping track
From the summit of Mt Grey it's possible to descend via Red Beech Track to the Grey River picnic area. This track is steep in places, over patches of scree, and is easier to descend than climb.
About half way down you'll need to ford the Grey River. Check the river levels at the picnic site before starting your trip – if the water is flowing over the ford, it will be too dangerous to cross the river on Red Beech Track.
From Amberley, follow Douglas Road, then Cramptons Bush Road until the road reaches the Lake Janet picnic area (17 km from Amberley). Turn left into Mount Grey Road, then right into Okuku Road to reach the Grey River picnic area (3.5 km from the the Lake Janet picnic area).
Note:
- Just before the picnic area is a concrete ford over the Grey River – it may become impassable after heavy rain.
- The ford is only suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles. We strongly recommend you park before the ford and cross on foot.
- These roads pass through a commercial forest and may be closed at times. For the latest road conditions, phone Rayonier NZ Ltd, +64 3 310 7612.
- Be aware of heavy vehicles and logging trucks on the roads.
NZTopo50 map sheet: BW23, BV23
The ford accessing Grey River picnic area is only suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles. We strongly recommend you park before the ford and cross on foot.
No mountain bikes allowed.
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 318 9211 |
| Email: | arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 51008 Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Full office details | |