Mt Thomas Direct!

Start at the DOC sign and cross the grassy area. Do not head straight up Wooded Gully, instead take the single track to the right. This may be a bit muddy depending on time of the year. Cross a stile and then the track will veer left and head up hill.

A short climb up and you come out to a 4WD road. (If you choose to turn left here this will eventually lead you back to Wooded Gully and back to the carpark). Cross over this road and continue straight up. At the time of writing this area is open as it has been logged. So as you climb, don't forget to stop and turn around and take in the wonderful views of the Canterbury Plains.

You will continue on into the pine forest and keep on climbing and climbing and climbing. There is a small respite of a teeny down hill for a matter of metres but then straight away you are back climbing. The good news is you will eventually get to a sharp corner in the track (the "Zag") at this point you are about half way - time wise - to the top. Also one more short grunt and you will find the trail, although still climbing, eases off. You have now done the steepest climb on the trail.

Just keep climbing and then about half a km from the top you emerge out onto a 4wd road. Turn left and after about half a km you reach the trig at the top. If you are lucky and have a clear day you can see for miles. The views are breathtaking.

You then return back down the way you came retracing your steps back to the carpark. For those who want a longer trip the options are endless from here. You can head down Wooded Gully or Ridge track. Maybe take an even longer trip out to Bobs Biv or the Pinchgut Hut. So many choices. One trip to the top of Mt Thomas is not going to satisfy. It is a summit that deserves repeat trips from different directions.