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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: -43.63119, 171.35814. 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
- 11.6 km one way
- Walking time
- 7 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Hakatere Conservation Park / Mount Somers area
- Seasonal restrictions
- The best time to attempt the South Face Track is from November to April. It has persistent snow and ice in winter and spring.
- 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
This is a challenging day walk across the south face of Mount Somers, from Woolshed Creek car park to Sharplin Falls car park.
This DOC directory entry covers South Face Track 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: 11.6 km one way
- Walking time: 7 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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.
Seasonal restrictions
The best time to attempt the South Face Track is from November to April. It has persistent snow and ice in winter and spring.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From Woolshed Creek car park, cross Woolshed Creek and climb steeply up a rocky ridge. The track then travels around the southern face of Mount Somers through a mix of open grassland and forest. You pass Acland Shelter, a good place to stop for a rest but not intended to be used overnight. This section of track eventually rises to its highest point (1080 m) at the junction of the Mount Somers summit hike.
There are unbridged stream crossings, so assess these carefully before crossing and if in doubt, stay out.
The final steep downhill section is through regenerating forest areas but is open enough to continue to provide interesting views to the east.
In winter, the south face of Mount Somers gets very little sunlight, making the snow hard and icy. The south face and summit tracks can have persistent snow and ice in winter and spring. The best time to attempt these tracks is from November to April.
The South Face Track is a tramping track and is more challenging than the Mount Somers Track. For an easier option, we recommend a day walk to Woolshed Creek Hut on the Mt Somers Track.
Understand if you are ready for Mt Somers tracks
Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for the tracks on Mount Somers, including this track. It explains the facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.
Getting there
Sharplin Falls car park: Sharplin Falls car park is at the end of Flynns Road, Staveley.
Woolshed Creek car park: From Mount Somers township, follow Ashburton Gorge Road for approximately 10 km before turning right into Jig Road. Follow Jig Road to the end.
If you intend to walk only one way from Woolshed Creek car park and require vehicle transport, a local service is available, phone Marilyn Gray on +64 3 303 0809 before you start your trip.
Know before you go
Be ready for all weather
The Mount Somers area is an alpine environment and bad weather can occur at any time of the year. The area can be extremely hot and dry, and at others times can experience freezing cold, high winds, heavy rain and snow.
There is no tree cover on parts of the track and you are fully exposed to the weather.
Always bring warm, waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and sun protection.
Check the Mount Somers Track weather forecast
Pack well for your hike
Day hike packing list
Use NZTopo50 map sheets BX19 and BX20. We recommend carrying a distress beacon.
Expect snow and challenging alpine conditions in winter
In winter, the south face of Mount Somers gets very little sunlight, making the snow hard and icy. The south face and summit tracks can have persistent snow and ice in winter and spring. Be aware of potential avalanche risk.
The best time to attempt these tracks is from November to April.
There are wasps
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.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream 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
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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.
