Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Mt Oxford Half
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 44
Gnarl Factor: 65
20.5km
1410m
1410m
1402m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Katie Smith
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 44
Gnarl Factor: 65
20.5km
1410m
1410m
1402m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.0%
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4:30
Slow
3:30
Moderate
2:30
Fast
From Coopers Creek start on easy farm tracks along the Mt Oxford summit track. This winds through pockets of beech forest, climbing steadily. As you get higher the view starts to unfold behind you out to the Canterbury plains.
As you break out above the bush line the route is poled, and continues to climb steadily. After a couple of false summits you eventually reach the top of Mt Oxford after around 7km to beautiful 360 degree views.
From here continue following poles across a broad ridge before gradually descending, ducking in and out of stunted beech forest which gradually gets taller. There are some steep sections of descent through this area which are slippery after rain.
At the first junction keep left then left again onto the Ryde Falls track. The falls are a short out-and-back detour, but worth the view.
The track continues down through bush with plenty of undulation through this section, and some deep muddy areas, before gradually becoming more well formed. A brief breakout from the bush takes you over a small rocky outcrop with views back up to Mt Oxford, before finishing back at Cooper Creek.
Great views across the Canterbury plains and across to the Southern Alps from the tops.
Plenty of parking, no public transport.
10 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
In poor visibility the poled route on the tops would be hard to follow.
Generally good.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).
Several creeks are crossed towards the last third of the route, but water is somewhat scarce before this.
Snow from autumn through to spring on the tops.
Very muddy in parts after rain or when snow is melting.
Sheffield Pie Shop
Sheffield
Can't beat a Sheffield pie!
Cafe 51
Oxford
http://www.cafe51nz.com
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt Oxford Half
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Really nice circuit with lots of variety. Definitely best run in this direction. This time (18 Sept) there was quite a lot of mud in places (and a few tree-fall issues) that made it slower than usual - however in a month or so it should be in better shape.
September 19, 2022
A delightful loop.
Highly recommend to run it as described (counter-clockwise), get the main grunt work done with.
I had perfect conditions, cool, sunny, no breeze, ideal!
Bit of a grunt up to the peak, but nothing technical or too rough. No water until you're down the other side so be aware of that. Nice to have lunch/a snack at the summit then continue along!
The side trip to Ryde Fall's is ok. I didn't bother as I have walked it before. It's pretty steep down to it, which you would have to then climb back up to the track, and I couldn't be stuffed... But up to you.
Great day out.
March 21, 2022
Wow! This trail made me emotional it was so good haha! I was choking up with the stunning views. A mix of all the good things a trail needs and with that I need to sign up for the Oxford Odyssey!!!
January 26, 2022
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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