Conquer Mt Somers
A big day in Canterbury mountains
Up for a challenge? A locals’ favourite, this full-day adventure offers 360-degree views over the Canterbury plains and big climbs into those long white clouds.
- No mountain climbing experience needed.
- Great for those that love a rewarding challenging with stunning views.
- Safe and guided on well-marked tracks.
We Kiwis are known for our love of mountains (Edmund Hillary, anyone?) and you’ll know why after this classic Canterbury trip. There’s just nothing quite like the views of our Southern Alps, the remoteness, the challenge to navigate our rugged peaks and native bush. I’ve done this route several times and know all the best spots to have lunch, soak in the surroundings and watch our curious wildlife. Mount Somers is a fantastic hike for those interested in more mountainous experiences.
We’ll explore the stunning Rhyolite Ridge on the way to the South Face of Mt Somers and catch our breath and refuel at the little shelter just below the summit, before tackling the final climb. It’s a big day, but the rewards are gorgeous views over Canterbury and a fascinating landscape made up of volcanic formations and unique alpine vegetation. There’s even the chance to spot our endangered New Zealand falcon, the “Karearea”. It’s days like these that make us feel alive and fit again after everything we’ve all been through.
See for yourself and join me on my next trip!
Jackie
I’m an absolute outdoors nut that is always up for a challenge. I love NZ and love showing and teaching others about our beautiful homeland even more. If I’m not paddling, pedalling or running you will find me hiking in the mountains. As a born and bred Kiwi I love everything to do with this beautiful place. I truly believe it is one of the best places on earth and there is no better way to see it than by getting out and exploring. I have a passion for teaching others about the outdoors and love to see people thriving in the NZ wilderness. I have a creative streak so you may even get to experience some outdoor crafts on your journey, or some fresh baked goods.
Experience
- Peak Safety 2-day Outdoor First Aid
- Full time professional tour guide throughout New Zealand
Today's mission
Mt Somers is located in the middle of rural Canterbury, leading us through several quaint villages before we arrive at the car park. I’ll show you my favourite local cafes during the drive and we can grab coffee and food to get us fuelled up for the climb ahead.
Rhyolite Ridge makes for an interesting but steep start – we can take breaks along the way until we reach the first junction. Did you know you can opt for an overnight adventure with me and explore the nearby Woolshed Creek? Check it out here.
From here, the track sidles up and down the rugged southern face, with views over the Canterbury plains below and rhyolite cliffs above you. Once we’ve reached the small day shelter, another steep climb to the summit awaits and we are finally on top of the world! Well, at least it feels like it… We’ll take our time to soak in the panoramic views and I can tell you more about the unique flora and fauna you can find around here before we retrace our steps. On the way back, you’ve got the views right in front of you, combined with the golden late afternoon glow. Time to snap some photos before returning to the car park for our trip back.
Remember, if you want this trip caught in stunning, professional images – don’t forget to book a Lensman at checkout.
Gear
All tours require the proper gear to ensure you’re having the time of your life, and are well prepared if things go south. It’s the real and rugged New Zealand out there!
Required
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750ML Water Bottle
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Day Pack
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Hiking Boots
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Hiking Pants
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Rain Jacket
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Sunscreen & hat
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Top Base layer
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Torch & Batteries
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Warm hat & gloves (March to October)
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Whistle
Optional
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Cutlery & cup
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Hand Sanitiser
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Hiking Socks
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Insect Repellent
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Pack Cover / Liner
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Personal First Aid Kit
Extras
There are add-on extras for this tour. These are the little things that’ll either make your Adventure easier to organise or more rugged - your choice. You can add these during the booking process.
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Book A Lensman
Want your Adventure captured in stunning, professional photos? We’ve got a Lensman (like Bushmen but with cameras) who will join you and capture all the best moments so you don’t have to.
+ $200 NZD
Q & A
Your Bushman has added a couple of answers to questions other Visitors have asked in the past to help you with your booking plans. Once you book a tour, you'll be in direct contact with your Bushman for more support.
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How fit do I have to be?
This is a big day on an advanced track, therefore a reasonable level of fitness and experience is required. The final climb to the summit is steep and will have your legs burning, but fortunately, the gradual climb beforehand allows you to warm up.
There are also plenty of spots to rest and a day shelter before the last section leading to the top. If you have done some hill climbing before and can handle steep ascents, this is the adventure for you. We’ll take it steady and easy; there is no rush.
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Will my kids enjoy this?
While it’s a challenging hike, kids can do this if they meet certain criteria. How old are they? Have they been hiking before and are they reasonably fit?
Please tell me more and we can figure out what trip you would enjoy the most by messaging me via my profile.
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I’m not keen on climbing but would still like to explore the area. Can you recommend any trips?
Yeah, there are several trips you can choose from and they all have awesome views. If you’re after easier routes, have a look at my Woolshed Creek tour that has a day and overnight option. Otherwise, there’s my Godley Head Adventure close to Christchurch or Little Mt Peel. Check out my profile for a complete overview.
FAQs
Here’s a few answers to the more general questions about the whole journey. You can visit our help and support area for any further information or contact us via the chat function.
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What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Bushman Tours sets a standard cancellation policy that can be found via our Terms & Conditions. This is globally set at 48 hours notice. However, Bushmen may add to this depending on the requirements for the Adventure (e.g. - hiring gear and renting equipment on your behalf). The final policy will be located at the bottom of the checkout, or you can reach out to us to check.
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What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?
In most cases, the Bushman can arrange another day to run your tour, but this also comes down to when you're available if travelling through New Zealand. We recommend ensuring you have insurance for cancellation of any tours. If the Bushman has to cancel due to a health risk, we will call you to arrange another option.
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What gear do I need?
Although we have a minimum requirement of gear, you will need the right equipment and gear that is relevant to the Adventure you're booking. This is usually found at the bottom of each tour page, but for our minimum, please visit our FAQs & blog page.
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Can I hire gear/equipment?
In some circumstances, your Bushman will have equipment for you to hire. This is available to browse and book through the checkout. We may also have options through our checkout. Although you may be able to borrow gear during the tour, it's important to reserve it now.
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What food shall I bring?
Depending on the length, this can vary. Your Bushman will advise on the tour page what is recommended for this particular Adventure, but typically, what we offer at checkout via the add-ons section is what you'll need. Keep it lightweight and nutritious if you buy your own.
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Where do I meet my Bushman?
We always try to pick the closest iSite (Visitor Centre) to your Adventure's location. Instructions on precisely where to meet are sent after the booking is made. However, you can also message your Bushman and arrange another location as long as it's close enough to the region.
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How much extra is it to add family/friends onto the booking?
If you book and find that more people want to come with you, we can arrange to add them onto the booking (this is dependant on the Bushman's preference to the number of people to take out). The more that book on the original checkout option, the cheaper the fee for each individual - so spread the word before you go to book! Please note, you cannot add or bring extra people 48 hours before the tour starts.
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Can I talk to my Bushman before the Adventure?
Absolutely! Once you book, you will be able to login and chat directly to your Bushman through a private, secure chat. Here you can arrange some extras you would like to do, timings for pick up and much more.
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Need more help?
In the area
Got a some spare days or need more inspiration? Check out similar Adventures in this region you can book with this one.
