Mt Somers sits along the foothills of the Southern Alps offering expansive views of
Canterbury and the highest peaks in Aotearoa. The mountain's unique volcanic history has produced
an interesting landscape for trampers to explore. Its accessibility and a variety of options for
all ability levels make it a popular tramping destination for every kind of tramper. Whether
you are looking for a day walk or an overnight adventure you can find it in Mt Somers.
Mt Somers has numerous walking tracks that can be attempted in any direction. It truly is a pick
your own adventure depending on the weather your fitness level and how much time you have. The south
face including the summit and Mt Somers Track can have persistent snow cover during winter and
spring. So the best time of year to attempt these routes is from November through April. The tracks
to Woolshed Creek Hut can be done year-round in the right conditions. The average daily summer
temperature sits around 7-19 degrees and you can expect approximately 95 days of rain per year.
It's important to remember that Mt Somers is in the high country so there is a good chance you
will experience heavy rain, strong winds, snow and freezing temperatures even in the height of summer
especially on the sections of the track at higher elevations. Prepare for all conditions
by taking warm and waterproof clothing as well as a good pair of tramping boots. It gets hot
here in summer so pack plenty of water and take a communication device, ideally a distress beacon.
As with all walks and tramps in New Zealand, make sure you leave your intentions with a trusted
contact and inform them when you've finished your tramp. You can do this on our Plan My Walk app.
It takes the guesswork out of trip planning by bringing together the information you need.
It's packed with heaps of useful features to help you create a trip plan to share with others.
Download the app or check out planmywalk.nz
There are two entrances to Mt Somers, Sharplin Falls Carpark and Woolshed Creek Carpark.
Starting from Woolshed Creek Carpark you can walk the 5 kilometre, 3 hour Miners Track to the
Woolshed Creek Hut. This track starts on the left side of the carpark. If you've crossed a bridge
you're actually heading up the Rhyolite Ridge which will take you to the same place but
it's a tougher route. The Miners Track is fairly straightforward. There will be a bit of climbing,
a few creek crossings and some mining history to view along the way.
Just follow the signs and track markers to stick to the walking track.
Woolshed Creek Hut must be booked in advance but there is plenty of space to camp around the hut.
There are lots of opportunities to explore the area with waterfalls, swimming holes and nice
vistas close by. Just make sure you let someone know where you're headed or write in the hut book
before heading out. There's often a warden present so check in with them for advice or information.
You can head back to the carpark the way you came or if you are looking for an extra challenge,
take the Rhyolite Ridge Track, which sidles along the mountain before a steep descent completes the
Woolshed Creek Loop. This should take around two to 3 hours to complete. Another option from
Woolshed Creek Hut is to continue along the Mt Somers Track for 4.6 kilometers or 3 hours to
Pinnacles Hut. The first half of this section starts with a 360 metre climb up to a saddle.
The track is a bit steeper and takes you to an elevation just shy of 1200 metres. Prepare
for cooler temperatures, stronger winds and maybe some low visibility as it is more exposed up here.
From the saddle the descent begins. The track will bring you past some of the pinnacles
and there are just great views all around. So enjoy the walk down to Pinnacles Hut.
Bookings are required here so make sure you do this in advance. A big group can fill up
the hut fast and there isn't much camping space. If you do stay the night it's well
worth waking up early to see the sunrise over the Canterbury Plains and the side of the mountain.
From Pinnacles Hut you can then complete the Mt Somers track by heading to the Sharplin
Falls Carpark. Heavy rain can easily flood the streams on this section of the track so
be conscious of this when looking at the weather forecast and planning your tramp. The track is a
bit rougher on this day so watch your footing and take the steeper section slowly. Towards the end
of the track it may be tempting to head straight down to Bowers Creek to get out to the carpark.
However this is not an option as you'll soon get bluffed out and have to return the way you came.
So keep to the track and make the small climb up to Duke Knob for a safe descent down to Sharplin
Falls. Your journey on the Mt Somers Track can also start from the Sharplin Falls Carpark.
Just take the same track but in reverse. The other option from Sharplin Falls is to make
a full loop of Mt Somers. You can connect both car parks via the South Face Track. This track is
more likely to be covered with persistent snow in winter and spring so keep this in mind when
deciding whether to use this route or not. You can also use the South Face Track to access the climb
up to Mt Somers Summit. This is 4.7 kilometres or 5 hours one way with a 1200 metre ascent.
The Summit Track starts from Sharplin Falls Carpark and begins climbing immediately.
The bush starts to open up after gaining about 620 metres of elevation and the track junction
for the summit isn't too far away. Use the track junction as a decision-making point. Look up and
see if there is any snow present. If there is, then turn back if you don't have the appropriate skills
and equipment. Turning around is also a good option if the top is covered in cloud as it's easy to
lose the track and there won't be a view at the top anyway. Take the opportunity to look to the
south and see what weather may be coming to meet you. This isn't a fun place to be in a bad front.
If it's clear then you can start the climb up to the top. The track to the summit is difficult,
steep and unrelenting. It's easy to get lost on the way up so follow the track marker poles
closely to avoid losing the route. When you reach the summit on a clear day you'll be able to enjoy
the expansive views before heading back down the same way you came. There is an adventure
for everyone on Mt Somers given the right weather conditions. Make sure you are prepared
for a stress-free trip by: Aiming to tramp between November and April. Picking the right trip length
and intensity for your group's abilities. Check the weather forecast and make hut bookings in advance.
Pack appropriate clothing and equipment for all conditions. Whether you are a hardcore
tramper or a family on their first trip, there will be plenty to experience at Mt Somers.