Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
reaches of Bowyers Stream, there are well-preserved remnants of the beech forests that
covered mid-Canterbury before burning, milling and pastoralism. Mountain and black beech
are found in Sharplin Falls Scenic Reserve, where there is a sub-canopy of broad-leaved
trees and southern rata on the rocky outcrops. The ancient forest in Woolshed Creek is silver
beech.
8
Planning
WHEN TO TRAMP
With a good portion of the walking time spent in open alpine country, this track is best
tramped from November to March.
MAPS & BROCHURES
Maps for this tramp are NZTopo50
BX19
(Hakatere) and
BX20
(Methven)
.
The
Mt Somers
Track
brochure can be downloaded from DOC's website or obtained from visitor centres.
HUTS
Face Route is not designed for overnight stays. You can purchase hut tickets at Methven i-
SITE, the Staveley Store or Mt Somers General Store.
INFORMATION SOURCES
DOC brochures and hut tickets, and can advise on track transport and local accommodation.
8
Towns & Facilities
The track starting points can be reached from the tiny settlements of Staveley or Mt Somers,
24km and 33km respectively from the nearest decent-sized town, Methven.
Staveley (population 120) is 4km from the Sharplin Falls car park, at the start of this
tramp. For information, hut tickets and supplies, head to the
Staveley Store
( 03-303 0859;
SH72; 9am-5pm)
, which also doubles as a cafe with good food.
Mt Somers (population 100) is just off SH72, 13km from Woolshed Creek picnic area.
For supplies and hut tickets there's
Mt Somers General Store
( 03-303 9831; Pattons Rd;
8am-6pm Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm Sun)
. If the store doesn't have what you need, well, you probably
