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Ashburton
26 km
10 hours
1800 metres
If you are looking for a true taste of the rugged Canterbury high country, the Mount Somers Track is an absolute must-do. Located in the stunning Hakatere Conservation Park near Ashburton, this 26-kilometre loop is a journey through a landscape that feels ancient, powerful, and quintessentially New Zealand. Whether you tackle it as a challenging single-day "epic" or a more relaxed multi-day tramp, you are in for a treat of volcanic formations, deep beech forests, and sub-alpine vistas that stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
The track is a loop, meaning you can start from either the Sharplin Falls car park or the Woolshed Creek car park. Most hikers find themselves starting at one and winding their way through a diverse range of environments. You’ll begin in the cool, mossy embrace of mountain beech and silver beech forests. The air here is often damp and earthy, providing a sheltered start before the real work begins. And make no mistake, there is work to be done. With an elevation gain of 1800 metres, your legs will certainly feel the burn.
As you ascend, the forest thins out, giving way to exposed sub-alpine tussock lands. The climb to Dukes Knob is a notorious heart-pumper, but the reward is immediate. Once you reach the Mount Somers saddle, sitting at about 1170 metres, the world opens up. On a clear day, the views of the Mount Somers Range, the Old Man ranges, and the vast patchwork of the Canterbury Plains are enough to make you forget your tired feet.
The terrain is varied and demands your full attention. You’ll navigate tangled tree roots in the forest and hop over rocky outcrops on the higher ridges. The track also features unbridged crossings of Morgan Stream and Woolshed Creek. While these add a sense of authentic adventure, they require care after heavy rain. For families, this is a fantastic "step up" hike for kids with some tramping experience, though you’ll want to keep a close eye on the younger ones during the trickier, steeper sections between Sharplin Falls and Pinnacles Hut.
The Mount Somers Track is famous for its unique geological "personality." Because this area was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, you aren’t just looking at standard mountains—you’re looking at the remnants of lava flows.
There are two main car parks for the Mount Somers Track. The Sharplin Falls car park is located at the end of Flynns Road, Staveley, offering toilets and an information panel. The last section of Flynns Road can be narrow and is not ideal for campervans. The Woolshed Creek car park is accessed from Mount Somers township; follow Ashburton Gorge Road for approximately 10 km, then turn right onto Jig Road and continue to its end. This car park also features a large, sheltered picnic area with toilets and information.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.5km away
Nestled in Mount Somers village, Stronechrubie offers a family-friendly bistro restaurant with a modern twist on classic Kiwi cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients. They also provide accommodation.
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Loop
Accessing the Mount Somers Track is relatively straightforward, with two main entry points depending on which way you want to tackle the loop.
Sharplin Falls Car Park: To get here, head to the end of Flynns Road in Staveley. This car park has toilets and an information panel to help you get your bearings. A quick word of advice: the last section of Flynns Road is quite narrow. If you are driving a large campervan, you might find it a bit tight, so take it slow or consider the other entrance.
Woolshed Creek Car Park: This is accessed from the Mount Somers township. Follow Ashburton Gorge Road for about 10 kilometres, then turn right onto Jig Road. Follow this to the very end. This car park is excellent for groups as it features a large, sheltered picnic area, toilets, and plenty of track information.
The ngahere (forest) around Mount Somers is teeming with native birdlife. Because the track moves from deep forest to high tussock, you’ll see a great variety of species if you keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.
The Mount Somers Track is a true four-season destination, but each season demands a different level of preparation.
The area around Mount Somers holds deep significance. For Māori, the peaks and rivers of this region are part of a wider cultural landscape connected to seasonal food gathering and travel routes between the east coast and the West Coast. The maunga (mountain) stands as a sentinel over the Mid-Canterbury region.
Geologically, the area is a fascinating "window" into the past. While much of the Southern Alps is greywacke (hard sandstone), Mount Somers is a rare outcrop of rhyolite and andesite—volcanic rocks. This is why the landscape looks so different from the jagged peaks further west. The presence of coal and silica sand also led to a rich colonial mining history, which you can still see evidence of today along the Blackburn Mine section. This blend of natural wonder and human history makes every step on the track feel like you are walking through a living museum.
Once you’ve finished those 26 kilometres, your first thought will likely be food! Luckily, the Mount Somers village is just a stone's throw away and caters perfectly to hungry hikers.
The Mount Somers Track is more than just a walk; it’s a challenge that rewards you with some of the best scenery Aotearoa has to offer. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend mission or a tourist wanting to see the "real" New Zealand, this track will leave you exhausted, inspired, and planning your next visit.
Anthornis melanura
Their beautiful, bell-like calls are a quintessential sound of the New Zealand bush.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only endemic falcon, the Kārearea is a powerful and incredibly fast predator, often seen soaring above forested areas and tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
1.6km away
A local pub in Mount Somers village, offering meals and takeaways, a great spot for post-hike refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere.
1.7km away
A convenient stop in Mount Somers village for basic supplies, snacks, and potentially coffee for hikers.