Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIDE TRIP: MT SOMERS SUMMIT
2-3 HOURS, 2KM RETURN, 617M ASCENT
By Staveley Hill is a signposted junction for the
Mt Somers Summit Track
, a climb to the
top of Mt Somers. The summit track is a well-marked and poled track that climbs west
through subalpine scrub to quickly reach the tree line. The climb then gets steeper as the
track works its way across a scree face, before emerging on a ridge, where a small, flat area
makes for an ideal place to catch your breath and enjoy the views.
Track poles continue up the ridge, in what is the steepest part of the climb. Care is essen-
tial, especially if conditions are windy. A small flat area is reached at 1500m, and then you
endure a final steep climb before reaching the summit ridge. The actual summit is not
marked by the trig station at 1687m, but is at the Millennium Marker and plane table -
100m further west on the flat summit - where you can sign your name in the topic and enjoy
360-degree views of the peaks shown on the plane table.
If you're coming from the Sharplin Falls car park, the tramp to the summit is a five-hour
(5km) trek that climbs 1245m, with a four-hour return. No matter where you begin, this is a
demanding climb for physically fit trampers with experience in NZ's mountains. The route
is exposed to the south, and cold, wet or snowy weather can sweep in very quickly. Even in
fine weather, waterproof clothing must be carried, along with plenty of water, as there is
none on the track.
TOP OF CHAPTER
St James Walkway
Duration
5 days
Distance
65km (40 miles)
Track Standard
Easy tramping track
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Start
Lewis Pass
End
Boyle Village
Nearest Towns
Hanmer Springs (
Click here
)
, Christchurch (
Click here
)
Transport
Shuttle bus, bus
Summary
The first walkway to be established in a subalpine area, this tramp features open
river valleys, two passes and great mountain scenery.
