Last updated November 2026
The Cloustons Mine Track is part of a day walk circuit from Flora car park in the Mount Arthur area of Kahurangi National Park, about 50 km from Nelson. It leads through mature native bush to Clouston’s mine, a historic horizontal drive into the hillside.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track, 10 km and 3 hours one way, including the first 5.8 km along a 4WD road from the car park.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the access road: “Access to Flora car park up Graham Valley Road is open but a 4WD vehicle is recommended.” Dogs are not allowed.
DOC also had an alert for 1080 pest control: an operation in the Cobb area of Kahurangi was completed on 1 July 2026, and the alert said the area is open, but toxic carcasses and bait may be present.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Cloustons Mine Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Flora car park, then 5.8 km along a 4WD road to the track start
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Nelson; DOC gives 36 km by road from Motueka to Flora car park
- Walking time
- 3 hr one way
- Track length
- 10 km one way (mine site 4.2 km from the start of the track)
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (4WD recommended on Graham Valley Road; 1080 operation completed in the Cobb area). Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Cloustons Mine Track
The walk begins with 5.8 km along a 4WD road from Flora car park to the start of the track proper. From there the track climbs steadily on a semi-benched, graded line through mature native bush.
The mine site is 4.2 km from the start of the track. Clouston’s mine is a 124-metre horizontal drive, put in around 1911, and a miner’s hut was also built in the bush below the mine.
From the mine, a 20-minute route continues to Gordons Pyramid on the Tableland Circuit, which DOC says gives a panoramic view of the Mt Arthur tablelands and the surrounding area.
To make a loop, carry on from Gordons Pyramid to Mt Arthur Hut, then descend the Mt Arthur Hut Walk back to Flora car park. DOC says the track suits experienced walkers fit enough to walk for 4 to 6 hours in a sub-alpine or alpine environment.
Making a Loop via Mt Arthur Hut
Mt Arthur Hut is a serviced DOC hut with 8 bunk beds. Bookings are required, and DOC’s hut page notes that no spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
Getting There and Track Conditions
From the Motueka Valley Highway, turn off at Ngātīmoti, cross the Motueka River, turn left onto Motueka River West Bank Road, then right into Graham Valley Road, which climbs steeply to Flora car park. The last 5.8 km is unsealed and DOC recommends 4WD at all times of the year.
Carry warm clothing and rainwear year-round, and note that DOC says wasps are present from December to May. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert saying a 1080 predator control operation in the Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park was completed on 1 July 2026.
The alert said the area is open, but toxic carcasses and bait may be present. Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
From locals
How far is Flora car park from Nelson by road?
Is there usually room to park at Flora car park on a weekend?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
Like Nelson’s outdoors?
Explore Nelson Weekly has a walk or park idea every week, plus local news and weekend picks. Free every Thursday.
Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cloustons Mine Track?
DOC gives 10 km and 3 hours one way from Flora car park, including 5.8 km on a 4WD road.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, suited to experienced walkers fit for 4 to 6 hours in a sub-alpine or alpine environment.
What is Clouston’s mine?
A 124-metre horizontal drive put in around 1911, with a miner’s hut built in the bush below.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. Continue to Gordons Pyramid (20 min), then to Mt Arthur Hut and down the Mt Arthur Hut Walk to Flora car park.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Do I need a 4WD to reach the start?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert said Graham Valley Road to Flora car park was open but a 4WD vehicle was recommended.
When are wasps around?
DOC says wasps are present from December to May.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Cloustons Mine Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.