Mount Somers Track

Today we head to Canterbury to explore the **Mount Somers Track** in Hakatere Conservation Park. Less than two hours’ drive from Christchurch, this popular tramp circles the slopes of Mount Somers, linking the Sharplin Falls Car Park and Woolshed Creek Car Park trailheads. The track combines striking volcanic rock formations, historic mining remnants, and wide views across the Canterbury foothills and plains. I walked the circuit over a hot early-summer weekend about a decade ago. The trip included a climb to the 1,686-metre summit of Mount Somers, quiet trails despite the good weather, and some memorable highlights including the Water Caves, the dramatic Pinnacles rock formations, and the spectacular setting of Woolshed Creek Hut. The Mount Somers Track offers a varied two-day tramp through beech forest, tussock slopes, and open high country, with a mix of natural scenery and local history. In this episode I share an overview of the route, my experience on the track, the key highlights along the way, and some practical advice for anyone planning to walk it.