This track offers good overnight or day walking options. For a day walk, you can do a return walk to Woolshed Creek Hut or a shorter walk such as along the historic tramway route or to Blackburn Mine or trig R.

Road end to Woolshed Creek Hut

The track starts at Woolshed Creek car park at the end of Jig Road. Follow a historic tramway that runs beside Woolshed Creek, passing through attractive beech forest.

The track then climbs steeply, running alongside a hand-built jig that transported coal from the Blackburn Mine to the railway wagons waiting below. The track flattens out at the site of the old Blackburn Mine. This is a good place to stop for a break, as there are historic relics and a reconstruction of the mine entrance. It takes around one hour to reach the mine from the track entrance.

From the mine, the track climbs to a high point (trig R, 934 m) with superb views of the upper Ashburton Gorge, before descending to Woolshed Creek Hut.

This track is a section of the multi-day Mount Somers Track.

There can be snow and ice in winter. Always check the forecast and make sure you have the skills and gear for the conditions.

There are some unbridged stream crossings on this track. Assess them carefully before crossing.

Alternative route: 4WD track

There is a turnoff onto a 4WD track between Blackburn Mine and trig R. You can follow a 4WD track to Woolshed Creek Hut. This is an easier track than walking on the main track described above, but takes about the same time.

Alternative route: Sidewinder Track

Time: 45 min
Distance: 1 km

This steep track provides an alternative route to the climb to Blackburn Mine. It begins with a short walk through a small pocket of tawhai/silver beech that survived the fires which swept through the Ashburton Gorge. The track then climbs steeply up to and through the tailings of the old Blackburn Mine, where it links with the main track to Woolshed Creek Hut. The Sidewinder Track takes longer than the main track.

Optional circuit route: Woolshed Creek Hut to Woolshed Creek car park via Bus Stop and South Face tracks

Category: Advanced tramping track
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 6.4 km

There is the option of making a circuit by following the Bus Stop and South Face Ttacks. These are more challenging and longer than the main track to/from Woolshed Creek Hut.

From Woolshed Creek Hut, the track climbs 500 m to a local feature known as the Bus Stop Overhang. From here, the track crosses the face of Mount Somers to link with South Face Track (2 hr from the track start), which then follows a rocky ridge to Woolshed Creek car park.

There is dynamic scenery with regenerating mountain beech forest/tawhairauriki within a landscape of waterfalls, deep icy pools and rocky tors.

There may be snow in winter.

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. 

From Mount Somers township, follow Ashburton Gorge Road for approximately 10 km before turning right into Jig Road. Follow Jig Road to the end.

There is no 4WD access to Woolshed Creek Hut. 

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 trip

Overnight and multi-day packing list for tramping

Day hike gear list

The track is on NZTopo50 map sheets BX19, with BX20 covering adjacent terrain on Mt Somers.

Expect snow in winter

Woolshed Creek Hut in snow
Image: Hayley Wadmore

There can be deep snow and ice on Mount Somers Track in winter. This includes snow in the Woolshed Creek area. During winter conditions, Mount Somers Track is a trip best suited to experienced and well-equipped trampers, with the skills and gear to safely tramp in snow.

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

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river 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