The Hakatere Conservation Park has no shortage of hiking whatsoever. The first time I hiked up Mt Barossa, it was just coming to the end of wintertime here in New Zealand. I was with my mother in law and her friend and we all wanted to give it a go for the first time.
I first agreed because I kept hearing it was relatively easy, which it’s not quite, so not sure where that came from. I also heard the views were fantastic at the top. Which they are, as long as you’re up there on a clear day!
The easiest starting point is from the Ashburton Gorge Road in the car park. It’s not too difficult to spot and you can see the marker poles from the road. This is a DOC track and fairly well maintained.
The track crosses a small stream at the start which is quite small and unless there’s been heaps of rain, you can jump over it. Th track follows a fenceline climbing gradually over private land. I had to take a few breathers as the path got steeper. About halfway up there were quite a few jagged boulders to navigate as well. This wasn’t over challenging but did require a bit of extra concentration and effort.
When we hiked the first time, as we went further and further the fog thickened making it challenging to find the next marker pole. We could just make it out and decided to keep going sticking close together. If it was too thick to see a next marker pole we were prepared to turn back. We had our map with us as well so we need where we were but again, I wouldn’t suggest going up when it’s foggy or low cloud.
I would say the hardest part is the last half an hour or so. And I’m not just saying that because by then I was knackered! The path turns scree-like with both small and big stones so it felt in some parts 1 step forward, 2 steps back. It doesn’t last for long but I did take my time getting up it. After that it’s a good push through a rocky path to the top.
When we hiked in October, there was still some ice and snow lying around. We made it up fine without crampons but I would strongly suggest taking some in the wintertime especially since the south face gets really icey when the suns out! When we hiked in November (summertime) the weather and track were great but subsequently, it was very hot and we actually almost ran out of water (I always take 2 liters).
Since the track is exposed you’ll want to be mindful of when you start, earlier the better in the summertime and what time of year etc. The weather up there can change quickly as well so even in summer be sure you pack another layer. I wouldn’t suggest this track on a windy day.
The walk to the summit is no doubt a good effort. The views at the top are pretty awesome with your classic Canterbury plains on one side, the Hakatere lakes like Lake Clearwater and Heron on the other. You can also see the Mt Somers and Mt Hutt ranges.
The track is just off the Ashburton Gorge Road at Mt Somers as you come off of State Highway 72. About 15 minutes down the road you’ll see a small car park with a DOC sign indicating the start of the walk. If you’re looking for good moderate hiking in the Canterbury region this is a great one to do!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Distance: 6.5 km return
Elevation: 1364 m (824 m gain)
Time: 3.5-4 hour return
Difficulty: medium
Track: poles can be difficult to see when the weather isn’t very clear
– dogs are allowed!
Be prepared:
– this is an open track the whole way
– brings lots of water!
– sunscreen, hat
– snacks!
Want to do more hiking in Canterbury? Check out Peak Hill!
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