Last updated November 2026
The Ellis Basin Route is a two-day expert tramp in Kahurangi National Park, from Flora car park over the Mt Arthur ridge, down into Ellis Basin to Ellis Hut, and out along the Ellis River to Baton Valley Road.
Flora car park is about 50 km from Nelson in a straight line. The Department of Conservation (DOC) gives it 22 km one way and 2 days.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert read: “There are multiple windfalls and slips on the Baton Valley track to Flanagans Hut and the Ellis Basin Route to Ellis Hut. Allow 2-3 hours longer than signposted times.” Check DOC before you go.
At the same check, DOC also had alerts recommending a 4WD to reach Flora car park and noting a completed 1080 operation in the Cobb area: the area is open, but toxic bait may be present.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ellis Basin Route on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Flora car park, at the top of Graham Valley Road
- Finish
- Baton Valley Road end
- Distance from the city
- About 50 km from Nelson (straight line)
- Walking time
- 2 days (DOC advises allowing 2–3 hours longer than signposted times)
- Track length
- 22 km one way
- Grade
- Expert route
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Huts
- Mt Arthur Hut and Ellis Hut (DOC huts)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (windfalls and slips on the route, allow 2–3 hours extra; 4WD recommended to Flora car park; 1080 operation completed in the Cobb area). Check DOC before you go.
About Ellis Basin Route
DOC splits the route into four legs. From Flora car park it is 1 hr 30 min and 4.2 km up to Mt Arthur Hut, then 2 to 3 hours and 5 km towards the Mt Arthur summit.
The poled route to Ellis Hut is signposted from the Mt Arthur ridge near Winter Peak. It follows the ridge off Winter Peak, then descends the side of Ellis Basin, partly over rocky scree and on steep, slippery ground.
DOC says sturdy boots with good ankle support are essential. At the bottom of the basin you cross an unbridged side stream, then head down to Ellis Hut at the bushline, 1 to 2 hours and 2.5 km from the ridge.
DOC describes the views of Ellis Basin and the surrounding mountains as extensive. The basin is known for its karst landscape and deep cave systems, and tomos and cave entrances are not marked, so take care if you leave the route.
From Ellis Hut, an arduous track runs down the Ellis valley to the Baton Valley Road end, 5 hr 30 min and 10.3 km. It crosses the Ellis River many times without bridges, with plenty of climbing and scrambling over rocks and roots in a steep-sided valley.
Huts
Ellis Hut is a standard 6-bunk DOC hut with heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from the stream. It is first come, first served, and DOC’s hut page lists fees of $15 per adult per night and $7.50 per youth (5–17 years).
Mt Arthur Hut is a serviced 8-bunk DOC hut on the first leg. Bookings are required, and DOC’s hut page says no spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
Track Conditions and Safety
This trip is exposed. DOC warns that high wind, low visibility, heavy rain and freezing temperatures can occur at any time of year. There is no cell phone reception and few trampers, so always carry a distress beacon and an emergency shelter in case you are trapped by weather or high rivers.
On the Ellis River, assess every crossing carefully. If the river is high, do not cross. If in doubt, stay out. Expect fallen trees and track damage, and plan extra time. Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
Getting There
DOC says Flora car park is 36 km from Motueka. 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 the car park.
The last 5.8 km is unsealed, and when we checked on 18 October 2026 DOC’s alert said a 4WD vehicle is recommended. You will need transport from the Baton Valley Road end.
At the same check, DOC also had an alert for a completed 1080 operation in the Cobb area of Kahurangi; the area is open but toxic carcasses and bait may be present.
From locals
Do I need a 4WD to get to Flora car park?
Is there much shade on the climb up from Flora car park to Mt Arthur Hut?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Ellis Basin Route?
DOC gives 22 km one way over 2 days. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert for windfalls and slips said to allow 2–3 hours longer than signposted times.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an expert route, with scree, steep slippery ground and many unbridged river crossings.
Do I need to book Ellis Hut?
No. Ellis Hut is first come, first served. Mt Arthur Hut, on the first leg, requires bookings.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Is there phone coverage?
DOC says there is no cell phone reception, so carry a distress beacon.
Where does it start and finish?
It starts at Flora car park at the top of Graham Valley Road and finishes at the Baton Valley Road end.
Are there caves in Ellis Basin?
Yes. DOC says the basin has deep cave systems, and tomos and cave entrances are not marked.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Ellis Basin Route: 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.