Route description
Mt Barossa is a decent bump in Hakatere Conservation Park. It’s standing somewhat in the shade of its bigger cousin, Mt Somers. Despite its reputation being easier than Mt Somers which it is, it’s still somewhat a challenging climb to get to the top with about 800m elevation gain. Starting at a well signposted, spacious carpark by Gorge Road, the Mt Barossa Track follows a gently sloping creek first. After about a kilometre, the track climbs on a prominent ridge where the track becomes steeper and more rocky. The first false top is reached at about 900m contour just after the steepest, and the most challenging bit. After that, a beautiful view is revealed of the remaining climb along a flat, wide ridge. The top is very flat and spacious with some interesting rock formations, which provide a great foreground for even more interesting views over Hakatere and Arrowsmith Range. The whole track is well signposted with poles.
My notes
The best time to visit the area is in winter after a snowstorm, when fresh powder adds extra serenity and beauty. Summer days tend to be far too hot.
Stats: 7 km, 4 h 15 min, 830 m ascent. Route shown on NZ TopoMap (GPX download below).
Participants: Michal Klajban (leader, scribe, GPX), Jan Kupka
Photos
Map
Max elevation: 1362 m
Min elevation: 540 m
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