Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the stream the track heads uphill to a point where you can look to the southern side
of Sleepy Bay. The track then rounds the third headland of the day. Over the next 2km you
descend through a small patch of bush to the beach at the head of Otanerito Bay and the old
Otanerito Farmhouse.
Day 4: Otanerito Farmhouse to Akaroa
3-5 HOURS, 10KM
Rejoin the track as it leaves the beach to follow the creek northwest up the valley and into
Hinewai Reserve. After crossing a road bridge you leave the road, cut over to the true right
(west) side of the stream and begin the climb to Purple Peak Saddle.
For nearly the whole climb you are in the 1250-hectare Hinewai Reserve , managed
privately for the protection and restoration of native vegetation and wildlife. There are more
than 30 waterfalls in the reserve's valleys and some can be visited from the track. As you
gain altitude the vegetation changes; near its highest point there's a red-beech forest, while
lower down there are some ancient kahikatea.
The track is well signposted - which is just as well, because there are a number of altern-
ative routes, especially as you get higher up the valley. You leave the reserve at a stile. Fol-
low the track in a southwesterly direction to Purple Peak Saddle (590m), south of Purple
Peak and two hours from Otanerito Farmhouse. Stony Bay Peak (806m) is almost due south,
Akaroa Harbour is to the west and Otanerito Bay to the southeast.
The track snakes downhill from the saddle and joins a vehicle track before arriving at Mt
Vernon, which is the official end of the tramp. Continue along the vehicle track for about 30
minutes, joining Stony Bay Rd into Akaroa.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Mt Somers Track
Duration 2 days
Distance 25.5km (15.8 miles)
Track Standard Easy tramping track
Difficulty Moderate
Start/End Sharplin Falls car park
 
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search