Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Location of the Week đź“ŤFlora Car Park is back!Â
After a year of road closure, one of our favourite hiking areas in Nelson Tasman is finally open again. If you’ve been waiting to get back into the Kahurangi range now’s the time.Â
Whether you’re after a quick adventure or a multiday hike in the mountains, Flora car park is the perfect starting point. So what are our favourites?
- 3-4 hours return
- 7 km loop
- 666 m elevation gain
A fantastic half-day option with a steep climb, quiet trails and incredible 360° views over Tasman Bay and Kahurangi National Park.
- 5–7 hours return (loop via Mt Arthur & Flora Hut)
- 18km return
- 1300m elevation gain
One of our fave day hikes. Expect marble landscapes, alpine ridgelines and panoramic views from the summit at 1,795m.
Gordon’s Pyramid Loop
- 6–8 hours circuit
- 20 km loop
- 1200m elevation gain
A quieter alternative to Mt Arthur with equally spectacular views and an awesome route through Horseshoe Basin.
Flora Hut & Mt Arthur Hut Loop
- 3-4 hours loop
- 9km return
- 550m elevation gain
A great family-friendly walk through the forest with two hut stops to refuel or stay overnight to break it up for small kids. There’s a perfect little detour to the ridge from Mt Arthur hut for epic views.
- 10-12 hours return
- 29 km loop
- 1400m elevation gain
Stop at Salisbury Lodge, one of New Zealand’s best backcountry huts, sitting on the stunning Tableland. Make it a very long day or an overnight adventure.
A few things to remember:
- The access road is steep, narrow and unsealed.
- A 4WD is recommended, especially in winter.
- This is alpine terrain—check the weather, carry plenty of water and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
We’ve definitely missed this place over the past year, and we’re pretty excited to be back exploring these trails.
Which one are you heading to first?
