Mt Somers is one of our 75 Top Trampers’ Peaks. View all peaks in the list here.

Rising high above the flat expanse of South Canterbury, Mt Somers is the eroded and block-faulted remains of a volcano that erupted some 90 million years ago and has some of the most interesting geology on the eastern side of the Alps. Flanked by forest and well equipped with huts, it is a natural favourite for trampers. 

From the car park take the track to Pinnacles Hut, crossing Bowyers Stream before beginning a steady climb. Ignore the old track to Sharplin Falls and climb to a rocky outcrop on Duke Knob (739m). From here the Mt Somers Track drops as rapidly as it climbed, back to Bowyers Stream and the junction with Pony Stream, which can be impassable after heavy rain. A chain assists with one awkward clamber over a jutting rock.

Cross Bowyers Stream using the marked bridge and continue up the true right. At one point the track passes beneath a waterfall, adding a bit of sparkle to your walk. From here the trail climbs gradually away from the stream before turning up the hill for a 100 vertical metre grind to Pinnacles Hut, 5.8km from the car park. The hut sits at the edge of the treeline, with commanding views over the rocky flanks of Mt Somers and the Canterbury Plains beyond. Serviced and spacious, a night in this 19-bunk hut is not to be missed.

From the hut, continue your climb in the direction of Woolshed Creek, passing impressive rock formations and waterfalls as you go. After 2.5km, as you near the descent to Woolshed Creek, keep an eye out for a sign marking the beginning of the Te Kiekie Route to the summit of Mt Somers.

Turn up the hill and follow marker poles on the steep climb towards the broad ramp that slopes to the summit. After a 340m climb the route crests the edge of this ramp and the going becomes significantly easier. A long line of poles leads up a gentle slope to a monument at the top, erected by the local tramping club to welcome the year 2000. From the monument, continue a short way to the trig that marks the true summit (1688m). If the weather is clear, enjoy the panoramic view to the Canterbury Bight and Banks Peninsula.

To complete the loop, head east past the trig and pick up the poles that mark the Mt Somers Summit Track. The track follows the narrow ridgeline with steep drop-offs, and is not recommended for those afraid of heights. Look to the left for a glimpse of Pinnacles Hut far below. At the end of a knob the poles swing to the south, guiding you down a steep slope that can be extremely icy in winter.

After a descent of 500m, the junction with the Mt Somers Track (South Face) is reached. Follow this east down the hill for 3.3km, gradually losing altitude as you pass over Hookey Knob (731m) on your way back to the car park. The final section follows the new Sharplin Falls Track, a benched and well-maintained path that zig-zags down to where you began the loop.