Mt Somers Coalmines Historic Reserve
Conquer Mt Somers for breathtaking views. This challenging hike offers rewarding summit panoramas and the option for a unique hut stay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mt Somers Coalmines Historic Reserve
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Mt Somers for breathtaking views. This challenging hike offers rewarding summit panoramas and the option for a unique hut stay.
"A challenging track but well worth the views."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with excellent grip for loose scree and slippery descents. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Carry plenty of water and sunscreen; the upper sections are very exposed. :droplet: :sunwithface:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
5 · 27 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mt Somers Summit
Summit
Conquer the peak for breathtaking panoramic views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.
Whoolsheed Creek Hut
Trackside
A beautiful and recommended overnight stop, offering a unique wilderness experience.
Steep Summit Ascent
Upper slopes
Experience the thrill of a challenging climb with loose gravel and clayish rock underfoot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Summit: Plan Your Ascent
Hut Stays & Route Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with excellent grip for loose scree and slippery descents. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Carry plenty of water and sunscreen; the upper sections are very exposed. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🥾 Summit Visitor Book
Sign the visitor book hidden under the directional box at the summit. 📝
🏠 Hut Stays Recommended
Consider an overnight at Whoolsheed Creek Hut for a unique experience. :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear shoes with excellent grip for loose scree and slippery descents. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration & Sun Protection
Carry plenty of water and sunscreen; the upper sections are very exposed. :droplet: :sunwithface:
🥾 Summit Visitor Book
Sign the visitor book hidden under the directional box at the summit. 📝
🏠 Hut Stays Recommended
Consider an overnight at Whoolsheed Creek Hut for a unique experience. :housewithgarden:
🗺️ Track Navigation
The track is narrow but generally easy to follow, pole-routed near the summit. 🧭
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mt Somers for its challenging yet rewarding summit hike, offering spectacular panoramic views. The opportunity to stay at Whoolsheed Creek Hut is a highlight for many, providing a unique wilderness experience. However, the steep, loose terrain can be demanding, and adequate preparation with water and sturdy footwear is essential.
"Challenge hike, it's different way to get there. We went first to the Whoolsheed Creek hut and then off the path and straight up to the Mt somers. It's took totally 7 hours with break and food, up and down. The Whoolsheed Creek is really beautiful and I would recommend anyone if they could to have sleepover at that hut"
Emil Dahlgren
"5hour return hike for most novice to intermediate hikers. Start at the Stavely carpark end and use bathroom facilities first as there are none on hike accept for a nz LavaTree. Start of the hike is a steady uphill though nz beech forest, the track is quite narrow but easy to find. Once you reach the 1st sign after 2.5hours it heads up towards the summit at a steeper gradient. The track is pole routed from here on but easily to follow in the summer. The track consists of loose gravel and clayish rock so can be slippery on the way down. Once at the summit there are great views in all angles. You can sign the visitors book which is hiding under the north/south/west/east box."
Rachael McKay
"A challenging track but well worth the views.
Took 9.5 hours from the Woodshed Creek hut to the summit and back to the Sharplin carpark."
a bd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access point for the summit hike is the Stavely carpark. From there, the track leads through beech forest. Some visitors also access via Woodshed Creek hut, which can be part of a longer loop. Ensure your vehicle can handle rural access roads.
Yes, there is parking available at the Stavely carpark, which is the recommended starting point for the summit hike. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Public transport options to the Mt Somers area are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for convenient access to the trailhead. Consider carpooling if traveling with others.
The roads leading to the Stavely carpark are generally well-maintained gravel roads. However, conditions can vary, especially after rain. Drive cautiously and be aware of potential hazards like loose stones.
The Stavely carpark offers bathroom facilities, which are recommended for use before starting your hike as there are no other facilities until you reach the summit or potentially a hut.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mt Somers Coalmines Historic Reserve and its hiking tracks is free. There are no admission fees required to access the trails or the summit.
The reserve and its trails are open year-round, from dawn till dusk. There are no specific opening or closing times, allowing for flexible hiking schedules.
Yes, if you plan to stay overnight at Whoolsheed Creek Hut or any other DOC huts in the area, booking is required through the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. This ensures availability and helps manage visitor numbers.
No specific permits are required for day hiking on the established tracks. However, for any overnight stays in huts, booking is essential. Always check the DOC website for any current alerts or restrictions.
While accessible year-round, conditions can vary significantly. Summer offers the most pleasant weather, while winter can bring snow and ice, making the hike more challenging and potentially dangerous without appropriate gear and experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the summit typically takes 5 hours return for novice to intermediate hikers starting from Stavely carpark. More challenging routes or combining with hut stays can extend this to 9.5 hours or more.
The hike is considered challenging, with a steady uphill climb through beech forest and a steeper gradient towards the summit. The track involves loose gravel and clayish rock, which can be slippery on descent.
From the summit, you'll enjoy great views in all angles across the Canterbury Plains and surrounding mountains. It's a rewarding panorama after the strenuous climb.
Aside from the bathrooms at the Stavely carpark, there are no facilities on the trail itself, except for a 'nz LavaTree' marker mentioned by one visitor. Plan to carry all your essentials.
The track is generally easy to find, especially in summer when it's pole-routed from the first signpost onwards. However, it can be narrow in places.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The beech forest sections also provide beautiful, dappled light for atmospheric shots. Don't forget to capture the unique terrain of the scree slopes.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the landscape. Midday sun can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive. Consider the weather for dramatic cloud formations.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping vistas from the summit. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures. Ensure your gear is protected from dust and potential rain. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is subject to Department of Conservation (DOC) regulations. It's essential to check the latest DOC guidelines for any restrictions or permit requirements before flying a drone in the reserve. Always fly responsibly and respect the environment.
Yes, the huts like Whoolsheed Creek Hut offer picturesque scenes, especially in their natural surroundings. They can make for great storytelling shots, capturing the essence of backcountry New Zealand.
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