Walking Tracks and Routes

The Blowhard Track— (5-6 Hours to Lees Valley) This track was once the main stock route to Lees Valley. It starts at the end of Maori Reserve Road (Next to Birch Hill Lodge.) It takes 3 - 4 hours to walk to the Mount Richardson summit. The lower portion of the track climbs up a wind-swept ridge, through tall open native forest and emerges through stunted Beech onto open grasslands. From the summit you can descend into Lees Valley, or to the Glentui Picnic Area, or return the way you came, back to Birch Hill Lodge.

The Blowhard & Richardson via the Bypass Track (7 - 8 hour round trip) The Blowhard and Richardson tracks are linked by a bypass track, which starts near the mid point of the Blowhard Track, and emerges on the Glentui Loop track. The round trip to the Glentui Picnic Area via the Blowhard, Bypass track and the Richardson track is a 7-hour walk, suitable for fit trampers.

The Glentui Loop Track—From the Glentui Picnic Area, this easy walk leads to a waterfall on the Glentui River. This track is suitable for family groups.

The Mount Thomas Forest Walks

Wooded Gully Tracks—A 3 hour walk up the Wooded Gully leads through mountain beech to the saddle west of the Mount Thomas summit. From this point you have a choice of two tracks each taking another 3 hours approximately. (1 and 2.)
Track 1—Continue up to the summit of Mount Thomas for a good view, and descend the southwest face of the mountain pine plantings. These pines are privately owned so please take care, as there is extreme fire danger.

Track 2—Return down the forest ridge west of the Wooded Gully.

Loop 1—Beginning a short distance up the West Side of the Wooded Gully Track, this hour-long walk is suitable for less fit people.

Loop 2—A 2-hour walk starting further along the Wooded Gully Track and passes through mountain beech forests to meet and return via Track 1. Some portions of the track are moderately steep.

Red Pine Track—A 1 to 1.5 hour track commencing at the Wooded Gully Picnic Area. It gradually climbs through mountain beech and scattered Podocarps, including Rimu, to meet up with the Wooded Gully Track.