By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -43.62718, 171.30145. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 30 min one way
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Hakatere Conservation Park / Mount Somers 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 a short walk alongside Woolshed Creek.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Somers Nature Walk in Canterbury, within Hakatere Conservation Park / Mount Somers 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 30 min one way
- DOC grade: Easy
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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Cross the bridge over Woolshed Creek before continuing up the true left of Woolshed Creek. Then ford the river crossing to the right bank, ending with a climb out through the dross (old coal dust) screened from coal at the bottom of the jig. Return to Woolshed Creek car park.
The Woolshed Creek car park has a large grassy, sheltered picnic area with toilets and information.
Getting there
From Mount Somers township, follow Ashburton Gorge Road for approx. 10 km before turning right into Jig Road. Follow Jig Road to the end.
Know before you go
Take care fording the river. If in any doubt, return the way you came.
Wasps may be present in high numbers, particularly during summer. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and if you are allergic to stings, ensure you bring your medication.
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.
