Hike up Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park

Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)

HIKE MOUNT ARTHUR, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK 

Location of the Week 📍 Mt Arthur (1795m)

One of the highest peaks in the Kahurangi National Park is Mt Arthur, (Tu Ao Wharepapa). You can see Mt Arthur and the neighbouring Twins from Tahunanui beach on the horizon. And we all get excited when we see snow on the mountain tops!

A popular locals day hike, this hike doesn't fail to deliver. Mt Arthur and the area is filled with contrasts - from ancient marble, karst, tussock, and caves. It is not one to be missed, but be careful, always stay on track and keep an eye for sinkholes, caves and bluffs.

🥾 19km return via the loop route or out and back, 5 - 7 hours

Follow the Flora Track from the Flora car park, to Flora Saddle. The Mt Arthur Track takes you to the cute Mt Arthur's Hut. From here, follow the marked Wharepapa route - the track is well marked, with awesome views of the rock formations that make this mountain such a special one.

The summit route is exposed, so only attempt to summit in good weather. But summit this one on a clear day and you will not be disappointed, the views are just spectacular! Mt Arthur is named after Captain Arthur Wakefield, but its Maori name stems from the flat summit resembling the roof of a meeting house.

Head back the way you came until you meet the track junction signposted to Flora Hut for a loop option that is downhill most pf the way, past Flora Hut and then back to Flora's Car park.

Details

• 9km each way
• 5 - 7 hour return

Getting There

• Less than an  hour from Nelson
• Park up at the DOC car park, Flora's car park
• Toilets present at the car park
• The access road to Flora's car park is prone to slips so check for road alerts before you go, and a 4WD would be recommended during winter, when snow and ice might be present

Thanks to @shaane.fulton and @k_fult for the photos of their recent winter mission and @jotayls for her summer one!

Happy adventuring!