Mt Somers tramping tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Mt Somers Track (northern section)
Woolshed Creek Hut - Rhyolite Ridge Track junction
Time: 2 hr
Distance: 4.6km
Via Mt Somers Track - south section.
The route takes in dynamic scenery with regenerating mountain beech/tawhairauriki forest within a vaulted landscape of waterfalls, deep, icy pools and rocky tors. From the hut the route climbs some 500 metres to a local feature known as the Bus Stop Overhang. From here the track crosses the western face of Mt Somers linking to Rhyolite Ridge Track.
Mt Somers Track (south face)
Rhyolite Ridge Track junction - Mt Somers Summit Track junction
Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 6 km
Passing around the southern face of Mt Somers through a mix of open grassland and forested catchments, this section of track eventually rises to its highest point (1080m) at the junction of the Mt Somers Summit Track. Acland Shelter provides welcome shelter and rest after about 4 km (1 hour 30 min) from the junction.
Mt Somers Summit Track junction - Sharplin Falls car park
Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.7km
The final steep downhill connection is through regenerating forest areas but is open enough to continue to provide interesting views to the east.
Getting there
Starting points for Mt Somers Track are either from Staveley or Mt Somers township.
Staveley - turn off Inland Scenic Route 72 at Staveley and follow the road to the Sharplin Falls car park, which has a shelter, toilets and an information panel.
Mt Somers township - from the township, follow Ashburton Gorge Road for approximately 10 km before turning right onto Jig Road which will take you to the Woolshed Creek picnic area. Here you will find a large grassy, sheltered picnic area with toilets and information.
Places to stay
Huts and hut tickets
There are two huts on the Mount Somers Walkway. Both have mattresses and running water. Trampers need to carry their own cookers. Back country hut tickets should be bought in advance from Department of Conservation offices or the Staveley or Mount Somers stores.
Acland Shelter provides a rest point but is not to be used for overnight stays.
Guides and commercial tourism providers