Mt Grey

Duration of walk: 2-3 hours

Description of walk: From the north end of the Grey River Picnic area, the track climbs steadily through native bush and areas of pine, opening to tussock and the summit of Mt Grey/Maukatere (934m). Ten minutes after leaving the picnic area a short track on the left (not signposted) leads to the gorge pools.

Mt Grey is named after Sir George Grey, Governor and Premier of New Zealand between 1845 and 1879. Maori named the mountain "Maukatere" (floating mountain) because of the spirits of the dead were believed to leave from the summit on the long journey to Cape Reinga.

How to get there:
Mt Grey/Maukatere Forest is 15kms west of Amberley.

From Amberley, follow Douglas Road, then Cramptons Bush Road until the road reaches the Lake Janet picnic area (17 km from Amberley). Turn left into Mount Grey Road, then right into Okuku Road to reach the Grey River picnic area (3.5 km from the the Lake Janet picnic area)

Access to these tracks is through a commercial forest. Roads may be closed at times of extreme fire danger, during high winds or for logging operations. For the latest road conditions, phone Rayonier NZ Ltd, +64 3 310 7612.