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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: -43.61572, 171.36832. 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
- 2 hr
- Track grade
- Not specified in the checked DOC directory
- Location
- Hakatere Conservation Park / Mount Somers area
- Seasonal restrictions
- The best time to tramp this route is from November to April. There can be snow and ice in winter and spring, requiring an ice axe, crampons and mountaineering experience.
- 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 route links the summit of Mount Somers with the Mount Somers Track on the north side of the mountain.
This DOC directory entry covers Te Kiekie Route 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: 2 hr
- DOC grade: Not specified in the checked DOC directory
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 tramp this route is from November to April. There can be snow and ice in winter and spring, requiring an ice axe, crampons and mountaineering experience.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The route begins at the Mount Somers Track partway between Pinnacles Hut and Woolshed Creek Hut. It climbs steeply up the mountain, then leads south-east across to the summit. Here it meets the Mount Somers summit hike.
Te Kiekie Route can be walked as a side trip from the Mount Somers Track or as a day trip from Pinnacles Hut.
This is a new route so is not yet marked on the topographic maps.
Te Kiekie Route is unformed, marked with poles, and very steep in places. It is best suited to fit, experienced trampers. There is no tree cover so it is fully exposed to the weather – be prepared for both hot, dry conditions and cold, wind and rain.
There can be snow and ice in winter and spring, requiring an ice axe, crampons and mountaineering experience. The best time to tramp this route is from November to April.
The summit of Mount Somers is very exposed to southerly fronts. Cloud can quickly reduce visibility and make navigation difficult. Always carry navigation aids (eg, map, compass, GPS) and know how to use them. Carry a distress beacon.
Check the weather forecast. We recommend not attempting this route if low visibility is predicted.
In winter, the south face of Mount Somers gets very little sunlight, making the snow hard and icy.
Getting there
You can start this route from the Mount Somers summit hike or the Mount Somers Track.
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 much of the route and you are fully exposed to the weather.
Always bring warm, waterproof layers, sturdy footwear and sun protection.
Be careful of low visibility. Always carry navigation aids (eg, map, compass, GPS) and know how to use them.
Check the Mount Somers Track weather forecast
Pack well for your hike
Overnight and multi-day packing list for tramping
We recommend carrying a distress beacon. This track is on NZTopo50 map sheets BX20, with BX19 covering adjacent terrain on Mount Somers.
Expect snow and challenging alpine conditions in winter
An ice axe, crampons and some mountaineering experience are required to safely reach the summit. The summit of Mount Somers is very exposed to southerly fronts.
In winter, the south face of Mt Somers gets very little sunlight, making the snow hard and icy.
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.
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.
