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.

Combine this track with the Mt Grey/Maukatere Track to form a circuit of Mt Grey/Maukatere and enjoy the views from the summit.

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.
• 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.