Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
MT OWEN, KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK
Our legend @_charlotte.taylorr shares her 2 day mission up to the highest peak in Kahurangi National Park, Mount Owen (1875m) and this is one spectacular hike not to be missed!
There are two main ways to summit Mt Owen, with the northern access being the most popular as it is easier and closer to Nelson. This is the Courthouse Flat route...
Beginning at Courthouse Flat campsite, the track climbs steadily for 7.5km (approx 4 hours). It takes 6hours to reach Granity Pass Hut (8.3km) via the Granity and Blue Creeks ridge - if you like walking in the open sun, this is the route for you. If you prefer a more shaded option, head along the Blue Creek Track past old gold mines, and up through a beech forest to join the other track.
Once the tracks join, you head up to a clearing and then down the steep 'Staircase' before reaching marble bluffs and heading down into Blue Creek beefore you hit the hut. You can also camp here too, but don't go too far because this area is full of crevasses and shafts. Stay the night at Granity Pass Hut (oh the views!!!) then continue up the open track along an unmarked route to the summit following rock cairns (approx 5-7hrs hours return to the hut). Expect spectacular views on a clear day! Then return back the way you came. Some sections can be scrambly and difficult to navigate, so take care! Bring a Topo map, compass and PLB to cover all your bases. Always let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back.
Details
- 8.3km return via same track
- 2 days
- Granity Pass Hut is first come, first served, no booking required and sleeps 12.
Getting There
- 2 hours drive from Nelson to Courthouse Flats
- Stay at the Courthouse Flat Campsite before you head up, there are toilets here to use
- From Tapawera, 62 km from Nelson, follow the signposts west to the Wangapeka Valley. There is a ford at the Dart River that may be impassable after heavy rain so always check the river levels before you go. It needs to be slowing less than 40 cumecs. After crossing the ford, continue up the valley to Courthouse Flat, the start of the track to Granity Pass Hut.
The southern approach is the Sunrise Peak route via Owen Valley Road which is steep and challenging.
Happy adventuring!