Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nearest Towns Staveley ( Click here ) , Mt Somers ( Click here ) , Methven ( Click here )
Transport Shuttle bus
Summary This track circles the subalpine area around Mt Somers, and features great views
and refreshing pools to soothe tired legs at the end of the day.
Mt Somers Track is a loop circling Mt Somers (Te Kiekie; 1687m), providing access to the
spectacular subalpine country of the Mt Somers Conservation Area. It is only an hour's
drive from Christchurch and, best of all, you can now finish where you began without back-
tracking.
The track officially opened in 1987. It was founded upon the Mt Somers Subalpine Walk-
way, a popular 17km tramp from Woolshed Creek car park to Sharplin Falls car park built
by the Mount Somers Walkway Society. Subsequent additions have included the South Face
Route, a high-altitude seven-hour tramp from Woolshed Creek Hut back to Sharplin Falls,
and the 26-bunk Woolshed Creek Hut. Mt Somers Track now qualifies as one of NZ's clas-
sic alpine adventures.
Note that the South Face Route is very exposed to cold southerly winds. Be prepared for
such weather! The best way to walk the circuit is anticlockwise around the mountain, allow-
ing you to lay over at a hut if bad weather descends on the area.
The Sharplin Falls car park is the best starting point for those planning to tramp the entire
circuit. Such a tramp involves two long days of walking, and is recommended for experien-
ced and well-prepared trampers. If you arrive late at Sharplin Falls, plan on a three-day
tramp, spending the first night at Pinnacles Hut, a three-hour walk from the car park.
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