Last Updated: 30th Jul 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Mt Thomas Long Loop

Ridge Track, Summit Track

Oxford, Canterbury

Submitted by Lisa Ainley

Last Updated: 30th Jul 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 25 ?

Gnarl Factor: 47 ?

11.4km

965m

940m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Mountainous

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

15%
85%

Gravel Road

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +17.0%

Average Downhill Gradient: -16.6%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:00

Slow

2:30

Moderate

1:45

Fast

From the DOC carpark head over the grassy area and take the track on the right, Summit Track. Follow this, crossing a style and then start to ascend.

Cross a small vehicle track, and continue up crossing a more defined forest road. (Left is the Forest Loop).

Continue going up and up till a few hundred meters from the summit you emerge onto a forest road, go left still ascending.

Once at the Mt Thomas summit take the track west heading across the ridge. You will start descending before you re-enter the trees. Descend down to the junction with Wooded Gully track, however do not take this track. Continue ahead, ascending once again, heading toward the second (unofficial) summit of Mt Thomas.

Not long after emerging from the trees is the junction of this track and two more tracks. One track leads to multiple destinations including Pinchgut Hut and Bob's Biv. The other track, the one you want to take at this junction, is the Ridge Track heading left and descending down.

Follow this all the way until you emerge on a forest road. Head left on the road, then another left at the next road junction. Follow this all the way down back to the carpark.

This trail includes the peak Mount Thomas.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

This is a DOC parking area. Plenty of space to park, and more parking over the culvert.

13 km

18 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

Fully DOC marked.

Very patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

None.

Wasps in season.

Trail Legend

Lisa Ainley

Lisa Ainley

has completed Mt Thomas Long Loop 17 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Awesome loop. Great views from the summit and along the ridge to 2nd summit. Lots of storm damage on the descent which involved climbing through and around fallen trees. Surprised the track hadn't been closed. Some route finding challenges at a couple of big fallen trees and lots of debris on the trail. Took longer than expected to get down. Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable adventure.

Anne-Louise Robertson

October 27, 2023

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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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