Lodestone Circuit
Kahurangi National Park
Lodestone is a peak on the Arthur Range, in Kahurangi National Park. Rising to 1462 m, Lodestone is a popular half-day destination from Flora car park, particularly for those seeking a quieter and shorter alternative to nearby Mt Arthur. The summit offers expansive views across Tasman Bay and the surrounding ranges of Kahurangi National Park.
| Details | |
| Length | 7 km circuit from Flora car park |
| Time Required | 3-4 hr circuit from Flora car park |
| Trail Type | 4WD road/Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Uses | Walking |
| Direction | Either |
| Start Elevation | 930 m (Flora car park) |
| Max Elevation | 1462 m |
Flora Hut
Walking and trail running
Mt Arthur Track
Walking and trail running
Salisbury Lodge and Tableland
Walking, trail running and MTB
1 hr 15 min from Nelson
Lodestone Circuit begins and ends at Flora car park, which is located 10 km up Graham Valley Road at 930 m elevation. Graham Valley Road begins off Motueka River West Bank Road near Ngatimoti, and is approximately 65 km from Nelson and 21 km from Motueka. Be aware that the road is steep, narrow and unsealed, and can be icy in winter. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. It is also prone to slips, so check the DOC or TDC websites for road access updates.
At the car park there is a toilet, and a shelter named Flora Kiosk, where you can view maps and track information, and enter your intentions in the logbook.
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 beech and dracophyllum. Keep an eye out for South Island robin/toutouwai, rifleman/titipounamu and bellbird/korimako, all of which are commonly seen along this section of track. 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.
The track descends steeply from the summit, following a ridge down to a low saddle, before sidling around Pt 1262 and dropping straight back to Flora car park to complete the circuit.
Lodestone is an alpine environment, so proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip. The track reaches a high elevation and is exposed above the tree line. Be sure to check the forecast for Kahurangi National Park; do not rely on the Nelson or Motueka weather forecasts as the alpine conditions are likely to be drastically different. Make sure you carry plenty of water with you as there are no water sources beyond Flora Hut.
See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.