Lodestone is a peak on the Arthur Range, in Kahurangi National Park. Rising to 1462 m, Lodestone is a great day walk from Flora car park, particularly if you are seeking a quieter and shorter alternative to nearby Mt Arthur. The summit offers breath-taking views of Tasman Bay and the Tasman Mountains.
| Details | |
| Length | 6.7 km circuit to Flora car park |
| Time Required | 4-5 hr circuit to Flora car park |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking |
| Direction | Either |
| Start Elevation | 930 m (Flora car park) |
| Max Elevation | 1462 m |
| Dog Access | Dogs are prohibited in Kahurangi National Park |
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1 hr from Nelson
Lodestone Circuit begins and ends at Flora car park, which is located at the end of Graham Valley Road, southwest of Motueka. Graham Valley Road begins off Motueka River West Bank Road near Ngatimoti, and is approximately 65 km from Nelson and 21 km from Motueka. The car park is located 10 km up Graham Valley Road, at the road end. Be aware that Graham Valley Road is steep and unsealed, and can be icy and snowy in winter. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially in winter. The road is also prone to slips, so check DOC Alerts webpage for road access updates.
Lodestone Track is entirely within Kahurangi National Park.
Begin by following Flora Track (the 4WD road) from Flora car park. This will take you over Flora Saddle (975 m) and down to the grassy clearing where Flora Hut stands. Lodestone Track crosses Flora Stream next to the hut, and immediately begins climbing the ridge to the north. The track follows the ridge, which is quite steep and rough in places, passing through silver beech and dracophyllum. You will reach the tree line (1350 m elevation) after 4.1 km.
From the tree line it is a steep, rocky scramble to the pyramidal summit (1462 m), which offers 360° views across Tasman Bay and into the wilderness of Kahurangi National Park. The summit ridge is relatively flat and there is a small radio mast on the northwestern slope. On sunny days it is a good spot to have lunch. The track descends steeply off the summit and down a forested ridge for 2.4 km to complete the circuit back to Flora car park.
Be sure to indicate your intended route in the visitor book in the Flora Kiosk at Flora car park. Lodestone Circuit is an alpine route, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. The track reaches a high elevation and is exposed above the treeline, so proper outdoor clothing is essential. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Snow may lie above the treeline for weeks in winter and spring, particularly on the southern face. Take extreme care in snowy or icy conditions as the steep sections towards the summit can be very slippery.
It is recommended that this loop is completed in a clockwise direction, as parts of the climb from Flora Hut are easier to climb up than come down, particularly near the treeline.
See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.
Lodestone is a peak on the Arthur Range, in Kahurangi National Park. Rising to 1462 m, Lodestone is a great day walk from Flora car park, particularly if you are seeking a quieter and shorter alternative to nearby Mt Arthur. The summit offers breath-taking views of Tasman Bay and the Tasman Mountains.
| Details | |
| Length | 6.7 km circuit to Flora car park |
| Time Required | 4-5 hr circuit to Flora car park |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking |
| Direction | Either |
| Start Elevation | 930 m (Flora car park) |
| Max Elevation | 1462 m |
| Dog Access | Dogs are prohibited in Kahurangi National Park |
1 hr from Nelson
Lodestone Circuit begins and ends at Flora car park, which is located at the end of Graham Valley Road, southwest of Motueka. Graham Valley Road begins off Motueka River West Bank Road near Ngatimoti, and is approximately 65 km from Nelson and 21 km from Motueka. The car park is located 10 km up Graham Valley Road, at the road end. Be aware that Graham Valley Road is steep and unsealed, and can be icy and snowy in winter. A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially in winter. The road is also prone to slips, so check DOC Alerts webpage for road access updates.
Lodestone Track is entirely within Kahurangi National Park.
Begin by following Flora Track (the 4WD road) from Flora car park. This will take you over Flora Saddle (975 m) and down to the grassy clearing where Flora Hut stands. Lodestone Track crosses Flora Stream next to the hut, and immediately begins climbing the ridge to the north. The track follows the ridge, which is quite steep and rough in places, passing through silver beech and dracophyllum. You will reach the tree line (1350 m elevation) after 4.1 km.
From the tree line it is a steep, rocky scramble to the pyramidal summit (1462 m), which offers 360° views across Tasman Bay and into the wilderness of Kahurangi National Park. The summit ridge is relatively flat and there is a small radio mast on the northwestern slope. On sunny days it is a good spot to have lunch. The track descends steeply off the summit and down a forested ridge for 2.4 km to complete the circuit back to Flora car park.
Be sure to indicate your intended route in the visitor book in the Flora Kiosk at Flora car park. Lodestone Circuit is an alpine route, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. The track reaches a high elevation and is exposed above the treeline, so proper outdoor clothing is essential. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Snow may lie above the treeline for weeks in winter and spring, particularly on the southern face. Take extreme care in snowy or icy conditions as the steep sections towards the summit can be very slippery.
It is recommended that this loop is completed in a clockwise direction, as parts of the climb from Flora Hut are easier to climb up than come down, particularly near the treeline.
See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.
Updated 18 February 2019