Trip Summary
Tu Ao Wharepapa / Mt Arthur (1795 m) is one of the highest peaks in Kahurangi National Park and forms part of the iconic skyline on Nelson’s western horizon. Mt Arthur and the neighboring Twins (1796 m and 1809 m) comprise fascinating karst landscapes, with glacially-molded cirques, spectacular outcrops of ancient marble, and rolling tussock ridges.
The mountain is riddled with caves and sinkholes, and is the location of New Zealand’s deepest cave systems (Nettlebed and Ellis Basin), the exploration of which are ongoing.
This 3 – 4 hour trip provides a wonderful hiking experience through alpine forest and open tussock, with superb views of Tasman Bay and into the heart of the National Park.
Trip Detail
The access to this wonderful day walk is the Flora carpark road, which ascends to 960 metres, and is one of the highest access roads in New Zealand, providing us with an easily accessible alpine walk by vehicle. This means you are immediately walking in an alpine environment. Leaving the carpark, the track rises through Flora Saddle and beautiful beech forest, climbing gently through the unusual mountain Nei Nei, (what we call the “Doctor Seuss” plant) for about an hour to Mount Arthur Hut, with superb views of Nelson and Tasman Bay.
Above the hut the landscape becomes open alpine tussock, with mountain daisies scattered throughout in summer. Superb views are had to the imposing Karst rock summit, further into the park and back toward Nelson Bay and Abel Tasman. We usually picnic on the ridge above the hut, and clients can choose to walk further toward or up to the summit before returning.
Suitable for all ages with a moderate level of fitness. The track is wide and well maintained to the hut, then becomes an alpine route trail thereafter.
The actual walking time is from 3 – 6 hours depending on how long you wish to walk for.
Your Simply Wild Guide will collect you from your Lodge or hotel at a time to suit you, and return you later in the day. Travel time to the Mt Arthur carpark where the walk begins is around 50 minutes from the Nelson City or Marahau areas, and 25 minutes from Ngatimoti area.
Included
The price includes your private Guide for the day, transport by luxury vehicle to and from the walk, lunch, snacks and water.
We have day packs and walking poles available if you require them.
We also have spare clothing such as fleece pullovers, wind and rain proof jackets available.
We do not have footwear.
FAQs
The track is around 1 – 2 metres wide and well surfaced with two steady climbs interspersed with a level ridge section. It is suitable for a wide range of people who walk regularly. For those who wish to extend themselves, the trail continues as a narrow path to the summit.
What kind of gear do I need?
Trainers or good walking shoes are sufficient footwear, and a warm fleece, windproof jacket and hat are useful. We have day packs and walking poles if you require them, and can also supply clothing if necessary.
