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Ashburton
10.3 km
7 hours
1245 metres
If you’ve ever driven across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps, you’ve likely seen it—the rugged, commanding silhouette of Mount Somers (Te Kiekie). Rising 1688 metres above sea level, this volcanic giant stands like a sentinel at the edge of the mountains, offering a tantalising challenge for those who prefer their weekend walks with a side of "vertical."
The Mount Somers Summit hike is not your average Sunday stroll. It is a demanding, 10.3km out-and-back journey that packs a massive 1245m of elevation gain into about 7 hours of tramping. It’s a track that will test your fitness, your knees, and your navigation skills, but the reward at the top is arguably one of the best 360-degree views in the entire Mid-Canterbury region.
Your adventure begins at the Sharplin Falls car park, nestled at the end of Flynns Road. Right from the get-go, Mount Somers lets you know what you’re in for. The track wastes no time in heading skyward, weaving through a lush, regenerating beech forest. This initial section is a classic New Zealand bush climb—expect plenty of tree roots to navigate and a gradient that will get your heart rate up before you’ve even broken a sweat.
As you push higher, the dense canopy begins to thin, and you’ll find yourself transitioning into subalpine scrub and tussock. This is where the landscape really starts to open up. The trail follows an undulating ridge that offers brief moments of respite from the climbing, allowing you to catch your breath while peering down into the deep, rugged gullies that scar the mountainside.
The higher you go, the more the terrain transforms. The soft forest floor is replaced by the harsh, grey reality of volcanic rock. The upper reaches of Mount Somers are dominated by scree slopes and rocky spurs. The track here becomes "unformed," meaning the path isn't always a clear-cut dirt trail. You’ll be looking for orange marker poles and rock cairns to guide your way.
The final scramble to the summit is a relentless, rocky grind. It requires a bit of grit, especially as the air thins and the exposure increases. However, as you crest the final ridge and reach the trig station, any fatigue is instantly replaced by awe. You are standing on a massive block of rhyolite and andesite, looking out over a world that feels incredibly small beneath your boots.
Parking is available at the Sharplin Falls car park, located at the end of Flynns Road, Staveley. The car park offers toilets and a shelter. Be aware that the last portion of Flynns Road can be narrow, and it is advised not to bring campervans to the trailhead. There have been reports of vehicle break-ins, so it's recommended not to leave valuables in your car, despite the presence of cameras.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
4km away
Located closer to the trailhead in Staveley, this cafe offers coffee, baked goods, and light meals. A great spot for a quick bite before or after your tramp.
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Out and back
The undisputed highlight is the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit. On a clear day, the perspective is staggering. To the east, the Canterbury Plains stretch out like a giant patchwork quilt, meeting the distant blue line of the Pacific Ocean. To the west, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. If you’re lucky with the visibility, you can even spot the distinctive pyramid of Aoraki/Mount Cook piercing the sky in the distance.
Geology buffs will find the mountain itself fascinating. Unlike the sedimentary greywacke that makes up much of the Alps, Mount Somers is a volcanic remnant. The jagged cliffs and columns of rhyolite are a stark reminder of the fiery ancient history of this area. Keep an eye out for the interesting rock formations and the way the vegetation clings to the rocky crevices in the subalpine zone.
To reach the trailhead, head towards the small township of Staveley. From there, follow Flynns Road to its very end, where you’ll find the Sharplin Falls car park.
A few practical notes on the drive: the last portion of Flynns Road is quite narrow. If you are travelling in a large campervan, it is highly recommended that you find an alternative way to get there or park further down, as the road isn't particularly friendly to wide vehicles.
The car park itself has basic facilities, including toilets and a shelter. While there are security cameras in place, this area has unfortunately had reports of vehicle break-ins in the past. Be smart: don't leave any valuables in your car, and make sure everything is tucked out of sight before you head off on your hike.
While your eyes might be fixed on the summit, don't forget to look and listen for the local residents. In the lower forest sections, you are almost guaranteed to be accompanied by the friendly Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These tiny birds love to follow hikers, flitting around to catch the insects stirred up by your boots.
Listen for the clear, bell-like notes of the Bellbird (Kōmako) and the delicate, high-pitched warble of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro) echoing through the beech trees. If you’re lucky, you might see the heavy-winged flight of a Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) soaring between the trees.
Once you break out of the forest and into the higher tussock and rocky areas, keep an eye out for the New Zealand Pipit (Pīhoihoi). These streaky brown birds are often seen scurrying along the ground or darting between rocks. They are much more common in the spring and summer months.
The best time to tackle Mount Somers is during Spring, Summer, or Autumn.
Mount Somers, or Te Kiekie in Māori, holds significant cultural and geological value. The area is part of the wider Mount Somers Conservation Area, which has been the focus of extensive conservation efforts to protect the native beech forests and the unique subalpine ecosystems.
Geologically, the mountain is part of the Mount Somers Volcanics, a group of rocks formed about 90 million years ago. This volcanic history is why the area was historically significant for mining; coal, silica sand, and limestone have all been extracted from the surrounding hills over the last century.
While the summit is the "big prize," the area is also famous for the Mount Somers Track, a multi-day loop that visits the popular Woolshed Creek Hut. If you find the summit route a bit too daunting, the walk to Woolshed Creek is a fantastic, more family-friendly alternative that still captures the rugged beauty of the region.
There is no better feeling than peeling off your boots after a 1245-metre descent and grabbing a cold drink or a hot coffee. You have two fantastic local options:
Conquering Te Kiekie is a rite of passage for many Canterbury hikers. It’s a "honest" climb—there are no shortcuts, just a steep path and a spectacular reward. If you’ve got the fitness and the experience, it’s a day out you won't soon forget!
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Often found in open country, the Pīhoihoi is New Zealand's only native ground-dwelling passerine bird.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
10km away
A classic rural general store offering hot drinks, snacks, and basic supplies, perfect for a post-hike refuel. It's a convenient stop in the nearby Mount Somers village.