Explore the stunning Mt Somers area on this 4-day back country adventure. Just 2 hrs from Christchurch, Mt Somers is a must-visit location with incredible hiking, climbing, waterfalls and swimming holes. On this adventure, you will walk in and stay 3 nights at woolshed creek hut (a classic NZ backcountry hut). From the hut we explore the many climbing areas, water caves, swimming holes.

Trip highlights

  • Visit Mt Somers
  • Stay in NZ backcountry Hut
  • Hiking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Water Caves
  • Swimming holes
  • Local guide.

Itinerary

Day 1

Scenic drive, Hiking

Accommodation

Woolshed Creek Hut.

Pick-up 8am from your accommodation in Christchurch or our meeting spot outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Ave. Leaving Christchurch we drive south to Rakaia before heading west towards to Mt Somers and the Southern Alps. Along the way we pass through the Canterbury Plains, the largest expanse of flat agricultural land in New Zealand before passing through tiny settlement of Mt Somers. After just 2 hours we reach the car park at Woodshed Creek, our hike starts from here.

The 2-3 hour hike into Woolshed Creek Hut starts by following a well-marked track through native bush along the river before a short steep climb up to the remains of the abandoned black burn coal mine (historic site). 1-2 hours of relaxed walking through open tussock grasslands and stunning scenery will see us settling into some lunch at Woolshed Creek Hut.

After lunch its time to check out one of the many crags (climbing areas) or just relax, it up to you.

Day 2

This morning we will check out one of Mt Somers premier rock-climbing areas. With a range of difficulties from NZ rock grade 12 (easy) to grade 22, there is something for everyone to enjoy and no shortage of climbing, with well over 70 different climbs to choose from. Your qualified guide will help you to choose climbs to suit your ability if you’re a novice or seasoned climber you will be delighted with the choice of climbs.

After lunch at the crag we head into the Water Caves area to explore the crystal-clear waters of Morgan Stream as it cascades down through the giant boulders that form the Water Caves area. Starting downstream we make our way up, through, under and over the many small waterfalls and pools around the boulders. Your guide will direct you, as there are many variations to scramble up and through the Water Caves and into the open valley beyond. Rest assured it never gets dark in the water caves or overly tight like in some cave systems and there is always an easy bypass to every obstacle. But it is very pretty, and you will get wet.

Day 3

Today is all about climbing, exploring or relaxing, the choice is yours.

Your guide will spend the day at one of the climbing areas helping and supervising the climbing. With so much climbing to do around Woolshed Creek hut area you can revisit a previous climbing area or try out somewhere new. Your guide will advise the best option for the group on the day.

If you prefer to spend the day or part of the day relaxing or exploring just talk with you guide. You might choose to check out one of the swimming holes, waterfalls, or viewpoints instead of climbing all day. Your guide will point you in the direction of some local secret spots (just don’t tell everyone about them).

Day 4

Today we pack up and say goodbye to Woolshed Creek Hut. We have the option to walk back the way we walked in or take the more challenging Rhyolite Ridge track back to the Woolshed Creek Carpark.

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4 Days  |  $1599 pp

Transport

Included

Food

Included

Gear & equeptment

All specilest gear included in package

Available dates

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