Mt Thomas, Canterbury, New Zealand
MT THOMAS
North Canterbury
Location:
North Canterbury.
Search 'Hayland Rd' in Google Maps, drive to the end of the road, easy parking in the picnic / camping area. Check the gate closing time.
Difficulty:
Moderate.
Steep climbs, some chutes and rock scrabbling. Coming down even steeper, very hard on the legs.
Time:
Approx 3.5 hours.
2.5 hours up, 45 min down
Dogs:
On leash only.
On this trip Charlie and I went a little later in the day, knowing that the way down was far quicker than the way up, we knew we could stay up the top for a potential sunset, and still get down before it was properly dark (although we only just made it).
On this particular trip, we did the Wooded Gully track up to the Ridge track, and took the Ridge track to the summit, then took the Summit Track down. The way up is a beautiful winding trail, plenty of rock, roots, gnarly bits to keep it interesting. Steep in places, good fitness required. Summit track down is non-stop steep, make sure your dog doesn't pull. Your legs will get tired from trying to keep them locked. It's a very direct track, helpful for getting down quickly, but will make your hammies and quads sore if you walk it at pace.
Charlie spots a tasty looking waterfall.
A few rooty climbs on the trail.
Half way views over the Canterbury Plains.
Views of the ridge track, weather closing in fast.
Still a bit cold up here.
Panorama from the summit.
Views out towards Kaikoura.
Weather closing in. Time to head down the summit track. Getting dark too.
Charlie washing his muddy paws in the river. Dark by this time.