Mt Grey Day Hike – Ashley Forest Adventure
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re looking for a full day out that combines lush native forest, steady climbing, open ridgelines, and a satisfying summit view — Mt Grey in North Canterbury is a classic. This circuit is one of those hikes that has a bit of everything: forest shade, river crossings, a scenic summit lunch spot, and enough challenge to make the post-hike snack taste even better.
🥾 Trail Overview
Location: Ashley Forest, North Canterbury
Distance: Approx. 13 km circuit (6.5 km up via Mt Grey Track, 6.5 km down via Red Beech Track)
Time: Around 5.5 hours total including breaks
Elevation Gain: ~900 m
Track Type: Well-marked DOC track, bush and open tussock sections
Difficulty: Moderate — steady climb, some steep sections, river crossing on return
🌿 The Climb – Mt Grey Track
Access is via Mt Grey Road, continuing past the Lake Janet access track and on to the old ford, where the Mt Grey Track begins.
The first half of the trail climbs steadily through dense forest — a mix of beech, podocarp, and ferns. The gradient is friendly and the zigzags make for a comfortable, steady ascent. As you gain height, the forest begins to thin, and you break out into open scrubland covered in broome.
⚠️ Watch out for wasps and bees during flowering season — they love the broome and can be particularly active on warm, still days.
After about 2 hours, the track tops out onto the broad summit of Mt Grey (933 m), marked by a large stone cairn and metal trig. The top is an open expanse with minimal shelter, so it’s best to layer up if there’s wind about. It’s a perfect spot to stop for lunch and soak in the panoramic views of Canterbury’s plains, the Ashley River, and distant Seaward Kaikoura Range.
⛰️ The Descent – Red Beech Track
To make it a loop, follow the Red Beech Track from the summit. It begins as a wide, easy track across the tops before dropping steeply into the bush. Some sections are slick after rain, and the descent will give your knees a decent workout.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Grey River, which needs to be crossed — it’s usually straightforward but can become swift after heavy rain. From there, the track climbs again, undulating through mixed forest and passing the derelict Possumers Hut, a fun bit of local history now more of a relic than a rest stop.
The Red Beech Track joins the Grey River Nature Walk, which loops back toward the car park. The quickest exit option is about 15 minutes past the lookout, but you can extend your walk with an additional 30-minute loop if you’re keen to stretch it out.
💡 Good to Know
The quickest access to Mt Grey is from Lake Janet, but if you want the full experience, start at the old ford for the complete loop.
Forestry roads can be rough and slick when wet — take care driving in, especially after rain.
Beyond Lake Janet, the road is best suited for high-clearance vehicles; it’s narrow, steep in places, and has large ruts.
Carry plenty of water — while there are a few small streams early on, there’s no reliable water near the summit.
🌄 Final Thoughts
Mt Grey is a Canterbury gem — a half-day adventure that feels remote yet is easily accessible. The circuit keeps things interesting the whole way, with the contrast between forest, scrub, and open tops making for a diverse and rewarding hike.
It’s the kind of tramp that’s perfect for a day when you want a decent challenge, incredible views, and a taste of the backcountry — all without needing to stay the night.
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