Ryde Falls
About the Business
Welcome to Ryde Falls, a beautiful establishment located in the Oxford Forest Conservation Area in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. As a park and point of interest, Ryde Falls offers visitors a unique and breathtaking experience.
The journey to Ryde Falls begins with a well-formed track that takes you through cleared private land, offering stunning views of the plains and surrounding hills. As you continue on the track, you will enter a beech forest, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature. Finally, the track descends to Coopers Creek, where you will be treated to the magnificent sight of the five-tier Ryde Falls.
To reach Ryde Falls, if you are coming from Oxford, simply turn off SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) onto Woodside Road and follow it for 7 km. Then, turn into Mountain Road and continue until you reach the Coopers Creek car park at the end. From there, you can start your journey on the Wharefedale Track, and after approximately 20 minutes into the forest, you will find the path that leads you to Coopers Creek and the stunning Ryde Falls.
Alternatively, if you are coming from Oxford, you can take the SH72 (Inland Scenic Route) and turn off onto Woodstock Road. Follow this road for 10 km, then turn into Ingrams Road, and further into Limeworks Road, which eventually becomes Perhams Road. Look out for the AA sign indicating the turn-off to the start of the Wharfedale Track, where you will find the View Hill car park.
Please note that during heavy rain, the fords on Perhams Road may become impassable and the road may be muddy. It is advisable to use a 4WD vehicle in such conditions. Additionally, it is important to exercise caution on the narrow and potentially slippery track near the waterfall viewpoint, especially if you are with children.
If you are planning a visit between January and March, it is important to be aware that wasp populations can reach high numbers during this time. To ensure your safety, we recommend wearing light-colored clothing and carrying antihistamine cream or tablets as a precaution.
At Ryde Falls, you have the option to make a circuit walk to the falls from either the View Hill or Coopers Creek car park. Alternatively, you can also enjoy a scenic walk between the View Hill and Coopers Creek car parks, covering a distance of approximately 7 km and taking around 3 hours.
We invite you to come and experience the natural beauty and serenity of Ryde Falls. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings, marvel at the cascading waterfalls, and create unforgettable memories in this picturesque corner of New Zealand.
Photos
Reviews
"Great 2 to 3 hour tramp from the View Hill Car Park. The time taken depends on which route you take. In and our directly, or via the loop track. The last 4.5km of the track into the car park, is really only 4WD. There are water crossings on that last part of the track."
"Would definitely recommend a 4wd vehicle! We parked up just before the 2nd Ford (due to it being flooded) thinking it would be a short walk to the car park but it is about a 4.5km drive to the car park (from the 2nd Ford). The road to the carpark is narrow and is steep gravel roads / hills that would not be suitable for walking on. The walk itself was very muddy (in Christchurch city we had not had any rain for a few weeks but according to some locals who lived close to the track it had been wet recently so pays to check the direct area for weather and not base it on Christchurch). It was quite slippery in many patches and there were 3 water crossings so be prepared for wet shoes! If you've been to Milford Sounds or the Catlins area you may be a little disappointed with the water fall itself but it is still pretty. A nice nature walk and was easily walked by my 9yr old but any younger and it may not be suitable. Also note - the first D.O.C sign that is pictured below has some very valuable information scratched onto it. The only mention of Ryde Falls points you to a path to your right but that leads you to another car park track and loops you around. If your wanting to do the 45min-1hr walk then go straight (as suggested by the kind person who scratched it onto the sign) until you get to the next sign that points to Ryde Falls."
"Great waterfall walk. We started from the view hill car park, which was tricky to get to. Not suitable for a small car, as had a rather deep ford crossing. The walk itself was quite muddy in a few places, but the waterfall definitely worth it."
"Nice walk, fairly well maintained track and a beautiful waterfall at the end. Be warned - bring bug spray and probably avoid lunch by the river - unless you want to be lunch for the sandflies. If it's rained heavily recently be prepared for a muddy track but otherwise it's quite navigable. There were a few spots where the track had been washed out a bit and need a bit of care to avoid slipping down the hill - not too serious though. If you know what you are doing with a little wood saw there are a few trees and branches over the track which would be good to remove."
"Started it from Coopers creek carpark. Took about 5hrs return and about 14km. 'Very muddy' at lot of places. Lots of fallen trees on the track. Will not recommend to anyone with kids younger then 10. Lots of sand flies. Overall its a great walk to see a beautiful 3 tier water fall."
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