Hiking to Woolshed creek hut, Mid Canterbury new Zealand
I have to say Woolshed creek hut is one of my favourites hikes in the Canterbury region. It’s part of the Mt Somers walkway and is not a hard track. This has quickly become my go-to hike. There’s lots of variety on the track from forest, old mine ruins, volcanic rock formations, tussock and beautiful mountain views. With a nicely formed track and not too many steep inclines, this is a great walk for anyone who like to get their boots on for the weekend and especially good for families.
This is also a track that has numerous options. What I mean is that you if you want to stay the night, you can stay in the hut, if you don’t want to walk back the way you came, you can make it a loop track. If you want to extend your hiking time, you can hike over to another hut. There are so many options and ones that suit different hiking levels which is why I love it so much! I didn’t even mention that between the different ways to go there are water caves, a swing bridge, emerald pools, a waterfall and again amazing views!
Woolshed creek is part of the Mt Somer’s walkway, a 1-2 day circuit around Mt Somers which was formed by Staveley and Mt Somers locals back in 1983. The walkway connects two huts, Woolshed Creek Hut being one, tracks up to the summit and around the other side to make a full loop. The track in some areas of the loop are not the easiest but in my opinion, Woolshed creek Miners track is the best place to start.
The track has certainly gained traction over the years (pardon the pun) and gets really busy in the summertime. There is a reason for it though, and since I love this area so much here is a full guide to hiking Woolshed Creek Hut so you can go and enjoy it too!
How to get there:
There are a few ways that you can get to Woolshed Creek which means there are a two car parks.
The easiest and most direct way to the hut is from the Woolshed Creek car park. To get here, follow the Ashburton Gorge Road from Mt Somers. Drive for about 10 km down the road the Jig Road which will take you to Woolshed Creek car park and picnic area. There is a toilet and picnic area here.
The other option for a much longer hike to the hut is from Staveley. Turn off to Staveley from Inland Scenic Route 72 and follow the signs to Sharplin Falls car park. There is also a toliet and picnic area here. Please note that Sharplin Falls is no longer accessible.
If you want to hike from one end to the other you can leave one car at Staveley, one at Woolshed Creek car park.
Track info:
Miner’s Track:
When I say this is my go-to hike, I mean from starting at the Woolshed creek car park and up the ‘Miner’s track’. It is labeled as a 3-hour hike one way but if you’re not new to hiking (2-3 times a month) it probably will take you more like 3 to 3.5 hours for a return trip.
The track starts off very inviting through the trees with a gradual ascent following alongside Woolshed creek. It’s a super way to start the track. Nice and gradual, birds chipring and quite relaxing with the sound of the rushing water below. Within the first 10 minutes or so, you’ll see remnants from the old Blackburn coal mine. From here it gets a bit steeper as you ascend past the bush line to the actual coal mine dating back to 1864. It’s pretty cool to see and seems to be a hit with kids.
The track carries on for maybe 15 minutes or so after the coal mine before you reach a fenceline and an option for two different paths. If you haven’t noticed this area has so many tracks! The path to the right is the harder of the two as it is quite rocky and narrow. It goes alongside the hill that you see and makes a steep descent to the hut. If you’re not super confident or just want an easier path take the one to the left! This is the path I often take. It does descend quickly to the hut but it’s much quicker and easier since it’s along a 4WD track. It is also much safer in the wintertime. This path has the most amazing views of the Hakatere area which, to be honest, is partly what I get up for!
I personally love hiking in this area in the wintertime but like all tracks be very careful as it does get quite slippery.
The great thing about this walk is that although there are some steeper sections (gotta get up the mountain somehow right?!) it isn’t a relentless uphill climb. The track is also not particularly difficult, narrow or anything like that either.
Rhyolite Ridge
Now the other way to get to the hut and the much more difficult way is the Rhyolite Ridge track also from Woolshed creek car park. I will say that although it is challenging, it’s beautiful and has a few surprises along the way. DOC has estimated that it is about a 3-hour walk to the hut, but I would say its more like 4 or so. Right from the start, it climbs pretty quickly from about 500 meters along a much narrower rocky path. I would not advise to go up here when it’s really windy as the majority of the track is open. It can be dangerous but it’s also just not very fun. I know this from experience.
The track leads to the infamous ‘bus stop’ overhang. Why it’s there, where it got its name, I actually do not know but it’s a cool feature to take some photos or have a break for a snack. As you start descending from the bus stop the track enters lovely beech forest. There will also be a side track that says 5 minutes to waterfall. Go to the waterfall! It’s not a huge cascading water wonder but it’s pretty awesome to see and especially in this part of the country. You can get right close to it and it is literally to the shortest detour.
Not long after after the waterall you’ll find yourself crossing a swing bridge and making your way down to emerald pools. Which are basically just beautiful pools of water in the creek. You can go swimming, dip your toes in whatever you like. It’s such a great spot to cool down in the middle of summer and the hut isn’t too far from the pools either.
Now there are the two tracks that will take you from Woolshed Creek car park. The two most direct tracks but as mentioned before you can depart from the other side of the walkway in Staveley and make your way around. Low and behold you’ve got two options there as well! They’re both doable in a day any time of the year but are certainly more difficult and longer.
Woolshed Creek Hut details
If you’re looking to do your first overnighter. I would strongly suggest this hut. It is quite modern and spacious with running water, plenty of kitchen space and 26 shared bunks. There is a long drop toilet just outside of the hut, a fireplace and also an area for camping outside.
This hut is on the DOC booking system now and MUST be booked before you stay over (October to April). There is a volunteer warden that stays during the summer months. As it is such a popular spot they are there to make sure everyone who has booked a bed gets one. They do their best to accommodate everyone though so be prepared to get nice and cozy! You can book your stay here with DOC.
The following rates apply for the staying in the hut:
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Youth (11 – 17 years): $7.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0 – 10 years): free
The following rates apply for staying in the campsite:
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per night
- Youth (11 – 17 years): $2.50 per night
- Child/Infant (0 – 10 years): free
What to bring: Overnight packing list
- food: dinner, snacks, breakfast- more if you’re staying longer. I quite like Backcountry meals from Hunting and Fishing New Zealand
- drinks- tea/coffee, water mix, whatever you like
- cooking utensils, pots/pans, cooking system/stove
- bowl, plate, cup if needed
- sleeping bag
- toilet paper
- Rubbish bag
- newspaper/firelighters
- matches/lighter for the fire and/or cooking system
- flashlight
- warm layers, socks, undies
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- cards, book, notepad etc
- earplugs
other spots to explore
If you didn’t walk the Rhyolite Ridge track, the emerald pools and swing bridge are only a 10 minute walk from the hut. There are some cool water caves in the direction of Pinnacles hut about a 20 minute walk from Woolshed Creek hut.
There are also plenty of other hikes in the area. Mt Somers being one, Mt Barossa and Mt Guy. There are even more hikes in the mid canterbury which are all really great to check out! As well as shorter/ easier walks like Lake Hill, Lake Clearwater track and Mt Sunday.
If you’re looking for something more relaxing, I highly suggest parking up a spot by Lake Camp, Lake Clearwater or Lake Heron.