Mount Barrosa Track

Out and back

About halfway up, the ridge offers a few natural resting spots amongst jagged boulders. These are perfect perches to sit, grab a muesli bar, and look down at the braided silver ribbons of the Ashburton River snaking through the gorge below. The final push to the summit involves more rocky ground and a bit of a scramble through the scree, but the marker poles remain clear, guiding you toward the top.

Reaching the summit is a spectacular moment. The top of Mount Barrosa is a spacious, rocky plateau. Unlike some narrow peaks where you feel cramped, here you have plenty of room to wander around and take in the full 360-degree glory. To the west, the Southern Alps loom large, with the jagged teeth of Mount D'Archiac piercing the skyline. To the east, the Canterbury Plains stretch out like a vast, flat quilt toward the Pacific Ocean. It is a place of immense scale and silence, broken only by the whistling of the alpine wind.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undisputed highlight of the Mount Barrosa Track is the 360-degree summit panorama. From the top, you can see the shimmering turquoise of the Ashburton Lakes (including Lake Heron and Lake Clearwater) tucked into the folds of the mountains. You’ll also get a fantastic perspective of Mount Somers, Barrosa’s slightly more famous neighbour to the east.

Geology buffs will find the mountain itself fascinating. Mount Barrosa is believed to be an ancient volcanic stump. Millions of years of erosion have stripped away the softer outer layers of the volcano, leaving behind the hard, resilient core that you are standing on. This volcanic history is also why the area is a "sweet spot" for fossickers. Keep a sharp eye on the ground, particularly in the upper scree sections, for agate. These colourful, banded stones have been collected here for decades, and while you should leave the best specimens for others to enjoy, spotting a piece of ancient volcanic treasure glinting in the sun adds a layer of magic to the climb.

For photographers, the contrast between the golden tussock of the Hakatere Basin and the deep blues of the distant mountains provides endless opportunities. The "big sky" feel of this region is hard to capture in words, but it’s impossible to miss through a lens.

Getting There

To find the trailhead, head toward the village of Mount Somers. From there, take Ashburton Gorge Road and drive west for approximately 17 kilometres. The trailhead is located about 500 metres east of the Blowing Point Bridge.

You will see a large, free gravel car park on the side of the road. It’s well-signposted, so you shouldn't miss it. A quick heads-up for the morning of your hike: there are no toilet facilities at the Mount Barrosa car park. The closest public toilets are located 5km back toward the east at the Lake Emily Walks Car Park, so it’s worth making a pit stop there before you lace up your boots.

Wildlife Spotting

The Hakatere area is a haven for native birdlife, and the open nature of the Mount Barrosa Track makes spotting them relatively easy.

The most common companion on your climb will be the New Zealand Pipit (Pīhoihoi). These streaky brown birds love the open tussock and rocky ridges; they often flutter just ahead of you on the track, wagging their tails as they land. High above, keep an eye out for the Swamp Harrier (Kāhu) circling on the thermals, searching for prey in the valley floor.

If you are lucky, you might hear the shrill, piercing cry of the New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea). These apex predators are far rarer than the harrier but are known to hunt in the rocky crags of the Ashburton Gorge. They are incredibly fast and territorial, so if you see a bird of prey diving at high speed, it’s likely a Kārearea.

Though more common further into the Alps, Kea are occasionally spotted around the higher reaches of the Hakatere range. Their inquisitive nature means they might drop in to see what you're eating at the summit—remember to never feed them, as it’s harmful to their survival in the wild.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer: Expect hot, dry, and exposed conditions. There is almost no shade on this track once you leave the car park. An early start (around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM) is highly recommended to beat the midday heat.
• Autumn: This is perhaps the best time to visit. The air is crisp, the light is golden, and the temperatures are much more comfortable for a steep climb.
• Winter: The track can be covered in snow and ice. While it looks stunning, it turns a "hard" hike into a technical alpine mission. Only attempt this in winter if you have experience with crampons and ice axes, or if it’s a light snow year and you’re sticking to the lower sections.
• Spring: Watch out for the famous Canterbury Nor’west winds. These can be incredibly strong on the ridgeline, sometimes making it difficult to stand up. Always check the mountain forecast before heading out.

• Water: Take at least 2-3 litres per person. There are no reliable water sources once you start the climb.
• Sun protection: The Canterbury sun is fierce. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
• Footwear: Leave the sneakers at home. You need boots with good ankle support for the rocky ridge and scree.
• Windbreaker/Warm layer: Even on a hot day, the wind at 1364m can be biting.

A note on accessibility: This track is dog friendly (please keep them on a lead through the farmland), but it is generally not recommended for young children due to the steepness and the technical nature of the rocky sections.

Local & Regional Context

The Hakatere Conservation Park is a place of immense cultural and geological significance. For Māori, the area was part of the ara tawhito (ancient trails) used to travel between the east coast and the pounamu (greenstone) resources of the West Coast. The braided rivers you see from the summit—the Rakaia and the Rangitata—are central to the identity of the Canterbury landscape, formed by the massive glacial movements that carved this region during the last ice age.

The name "Barrosa" itself likely has colonial roots, potentially named after the Battle of Barrosa, reflecting the era when European pastoralists first began carving out massive high-country stations in the mid-19th century. Today, the area is a stronghold for conservation, protecting the unique dryland ecosystems and the rare "kettle hole" lakes that dot the basin.

After the Walk

There is no better feeling than that post-hike "leg-wobble" and the first bite of a well-earned meal.

The nearby village of Mount Somers is your best bet for refueling. The Mount Somers General Store is a classic Kiwi spot to grab a cold drink or an ice cream. If you’re after something more substantial, the Staveley Store (about a 15-minute drive from the trailhead) is legendary among hikers. Their coffee is excellent, and their pies and cakes are exactly what you need after burning off 800+ vertical metres.

For those who prefer a cold pint and a pub meal, the Mount Somers Tavern offers a friendly high-country atmosphere where you can sit back and look toward the mountains you just conquered.