Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
There’s something magical about chasing the dawn from the top of a mountain. Mt Stokes is a local classic that boasts one of the most spectacular sunrises in the country!
Distance: 3.4km one way
Elevation: +682
🚗 Getting There
Mt Stokes is a 3 hour drive from Nelson, located deep in the Marlborough Sounds near Endeavour Inlet. The road is windy and narrow in parts; it turns to gravel but is easily 2WD accessible. There’s currently a road closure at Portage — check out Marlborough District Council’s website for more info. At the trailhead there is a small amount of parking, but no toilet at either the carpark or the summit.
It’s a short and sharp climb – only 1.5-2.5 hours to the top but is very rooty and rocky underfoot. The track meanders up through gorgeous beech and punga fern forest. The first section of the trail is relatively flat with a short push up to Okoha Saddle. Here’s where the grunty part of the climb really kicks off! Keep an eye out for the orange DOC markers as it can be easy to lose the trail, especially towards the top.
The track pops out from the bushline at a fence with a rocky lookout. Climb over the fence and follow the worn track across a flat-ish peak to the summit. There are no obvious tent sites so set up on the flattest and driest spot you can find! We found decent spots inside an old fenced area.
Set your alarm early, and make sure your cameras are ready for the most spectacular sunrise you have ever seen! Watch as pink and purple light spills across the bays of the Sounds, turns the tussock golden and even reflects off Mount Tapuae-O-Uenuku far to the south – incredible!
Note: this one’s dog friendly folks! Grab a permit from DOC before you go.
