Mount Somers summit hike
WalkCanterbury
- Grade
- Advanced
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 5.7 km one way
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThe summit can be reached from the Sharplin Falls car park. From Staveley, follow Boyds Road for approximately 450 m, then turn right onto Flynns Road and follow this to the end.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.63238° S, 171.39683° E
About this place
Climb to the summit of Mount Somers for 360 degrees views.
The route
The hike to Mount Somers summit is a challenging day walk that is best suited to fit, experienced trampers. It involves a gain of 1200m elevation, and the track is rough, steep and unformed. From Sharplin Falls car park, follow the South Face Track as it climbs through forest. A track junction marks the start of the Mount Somers Summit Track. From here it is 2.1 km/1 hour 30 min to the summit. This is a good decision point to: The track climbs steeply up the side of Mount Somers. Follow the orange marker poles. The summit at 1687 m has excellent views of the surrounding mountains and coastal plain. You can return back down the summit track or continue on Te Kiekie Route, which starts at the summit. In winter, the south face of Mount Somers gets very little sunlight, making the snow hard and icy. An ice axe, crampons and some mountaineering experience are required to safely reach the summit.
Understand if you are ready for Mt Somers tracks
Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for the tracks on Mount Somers, including this track. It explains the facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Be ready for all weather
The Mount Somers area is an alpine environment and bad weather can occur at any time of the year. The area can be extremely hot and dry, and at others times can experience freezing cold, high winds, heavy rain and snow. There is no tree cover on much of the route and you are fully exposed to the weather. Always bring warm, waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and sun protection. Be careful of low visibility. Always carry navigation aids (eg, map, compass, GPS) and know how to use them. Check the Mount Somers Track weather forecast
Expect snow and challenging alpine conditions in winter
In winter, the south face of Mount Somers gets very little sunlight, making the snow hard and icy. An ice axe, crampons and some mountaineering experience are required to safely reach the summit. The summit of Mount Somers is very exposed to southerly fronts.
Pack well for your hike
Day hikes gear list Overnight and multi-day packing list for tramping We recommend carrying a distress beacon. This track is on NZTopo50 map sheets BX20, with BX19 covering adjacent terrain on Mount Somers.
There are wasps
Wasps may be present in high numbers, particularly during summer. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and if you are allergic to stings, ensure you bring your medication.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Pinnacles Hut
Serviced • 19 bunks • Canterbury • 2.8 km
Pinnacles Hut is a serviced 19-bunk hut located in the Mt Somers area of Canterbury.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Acland Shelter
2 bunks • Canterbury • 3.4 km
Acland Shelter is a basic hut located in the Canterbury region. It provides simple overnight accommodation for tramping parties.
Woolshed Creek Hut
Serviced • 26 bunks • Canterbury • 6.7 km
Woolshed Creek Hut is a Department of Conservation hut located in the Canterbury region. It provides a suitable overnight stop for families with children or…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Taylors Stream
Canterbury • 6.9 km
Taylors Stream is a campsite located in the Canterbury region. The available records provide no further details regarding specific facilities or amenities at…
Bowyers Stream
Canterbury • 7 km
Bowyers Stream is a campsite located in the Canterbury region. The provided records do not include further details about its specific facilities or features.
Walks nearby
Te Kiekie Route
Tramping track • 2 hr • 2.7 km • 2.95 km away
South Face Track
Advanced • 7 hr • 11.6 km • 3.12 km away
Mount Somers Track
Intermediate • 2 days • 17.1 km • 4.03 km away
Track to Woolshed Creek Hut
Intermediate • 3 hr • 5.1 km • 7.27 km away
Mount Somers Nature Walk
Easy • 30 min one way • 1 km • 7.7 km away
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).