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.
| Length: 7.1 km (loop back to Flora car park) | Time Required: 3-5 hr |
| Trail Type: Walking track, and cairn markers above the treeline | Uses: Walking only |
| Physical Difficulty: Hard | Primary Direction: Either |
| Start Elevation: 930 m (Flora car park) | Max Elevation: 1462 m |
| Dog Access: Dogs are prohibited in Kahurangi National Park | Links to: Mt Arthur Track, Flora-Salisbury Track |
| Length: 7.1 km (loop back to Flora car park) |
| Time Required: 3-5 hr |
| Trail Type: Walking track, and cairn markers above the treeline |
| Physical Difficulty: Hard |
| Uses: Walking only |
| Primary Direction: Either |
| Start Elevation: 930 m (Flora car park) |
| Max Elevation: 1462 m |
| Dog Access: Dogs are prohibited in Kahurangi National Park |
| Links to: Mt Arthur Track, Flora-Salisbury Track |
Flora car park 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.
Begin by following the 4WD Road from Flora car park. This will take you over Flora Saddle (975 m) and on to the grassy clearing where Flora Hut stands. Here the track crosses Flora Stream, 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 about 2 hr (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 loop back to Flora car park.
Be sure to indicate your intended route in the visitor book in the Flora Kiosk. Lodestone is an alpine route, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. This 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 from of the climb up from Flora Hut are easier to head up than come down, particularly near the treeline.