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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.22694, 172.68921. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 22 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 days
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Kahurangi National Park / Mount Arthur area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Enjoy extensive views of the Ellis Basin and the surrounding mountains on this track to Ellis Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Ellis Basin Route in Tasman, within Kahurangi National Park / Mount Arthur area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 22 km one way
- Walking time: 2 days
- DOC grade: Expert
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Windfalls and slips on Baton Valley Track and Ellis Basin Route; First published on 12 January 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
4WD recommended to access Flora car park up Graham Valley Road; First published on 13 July 2025. Last reviewed on 29 September 2026.
Predator control in Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park; First published on 15 May 2026. Last reviewed on 1 July 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Flora car park - Mt Arthur Hut
Time: 1 hr 30 minDistance: 4.2 km
Mt Arthur Hut - Mt Arthur summit
Time: 2 - 3 hrDistance: 5 km
Mt Arthur ridge - Ellis Hut
Time: 1 - 2 hrDistance: 2.5 km
The poled route to Ellis Hut is signposted from the Mt Arthur ridge near Winter Peak, on route to Mt Arthur summit.
The route follows the ridge off Winter Peak, then down the side of Ellis Basin. You'll be walking over rocky scree for part of the descent and on steep, slippery terrain, so take your time and watch your footing. Sturdy boots with good ankle support are essential here.
As you reach the bottom of the basin, you cross a side stream (unbridged) then head down to Ellis Hut, situated at the bush line.
Ellis Hut - Baton Valley Road
Time: 5 hr 30 minDistance: 10.3 km
From Ellis Hut an arduous tramping track continues down the Ellis valley to the Baton Valley Road end. The track follows the Ellis River, crossing the river many times (all crossings unbridged). Assess the river carefully before crossing – if river levels are high, it will not be safe to cross.
The valley is steep-sided and there are lots of ups and downs on the track, including climbing and scrambling over rocks and tree roots. This is a rough backcountry track, and you can expect to encounter fallen trees and damage on the track. It’s best to plan extra time into your day, in case this section of the track takes longer than you expect.
Getting there
Flora car park is 75 km from Nelson and 36 km from Motueka.
The Motueka Valley Highway links Nelson and Motueka. Turn off this road at Ngātīmoti and cross the Motueka River. Turn left onto Motueka River West Bank Road, then right into Graham Valley Road, which climbs steeply to the car park. The last 5.8 km is unsealed and turning a vehicle on the road can be difficult. 4WD is recommended at all times of the year.
Know before you go
Pack for extreme weather
This trip is exposed and trampers need to be prepared for adverse weather conditions. High wind, low visibility, heavy rain and freezing temperatures can occur at any time of year. Check the weather forecast before you go and always pack plenty of warm and waterproof clothing.
This is a remote spot – carry a distress beacon and emergency shelter
There is no cell phone reception and low numbers of trampers, so always carry a distress beacon. Pack an emergency shelter in case you are trapped by weather or high rivers.
Stay safe when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
Be careful if going off track
Ellis Basin is famous for its spectacular kaarst landscapes and deep cave systems. Take care if you are heading off track, as tomos and cave entrances are not marked.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
