Last updated October 2026
The Flora Circuit (via Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Hut) is a loop from Flora car park in the Mount Arthur area of Kahurangi National Park, about 48 km from Nelson. It climbs through beech forest and alpine scrub to views over the Arthur Range and Tasman Bay.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) gives it 4 hours and 10 km, with sections graded both easy to intermediate walking track and advanced tramping track.
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.” Check DOC before you go.
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 Flora Circuit (via Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Hut) on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Flora car park, at the top of Graham Valley Road
- Distance from the city
- About 48 km from Nelson; DOC gives 36 km by road from Motueka
- Walking time
- 4 hrs
- Track length
- 10 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track and advanced tramping track sections
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track and tramping track
- Huts
- Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Hut (DOC huts)
- 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.
About Flora Circuit
This circuit is a good way to sample the Mount Arthur area without committing to a summit climb. From Flora car park the track climbs through beech forest, then into alpine scrub as you gain height, opening up views over the Arthur Range and out to Tasman Bay.
The loop links two DOC huts. Mt Arthur Hut is, in DOC’s words, great as a half-day walk or an overnight tramp for families or new trampers. Flora Hut is a short, easy walk from the road end, and DOC suggests it as a good overnight tramp for families with children.
Because the circuit mixes walking-track and tramping-track sections, parts of it are rougher and steeper than a typical short walk. It suits fit walkers and families with some tramping experience.
DOC links the Mt Arthur weather forecast, so check it before you set out.
Huts on the Circuit
Mt Arthur Hut
A serviced DOC hut with 8 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and tap water that is not treated (boil before use). Bookings are required.
Flora Hut
A basic DOC hut with 12 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from a stream. Bookings are not required; it is first come, first served.
Getting There and Track Conditions
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 turning a vehicle on the road can be difficult. DOC recommends 4WD at all times of the year, and chains may be needed if snow and ice are present.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert saying a predator control operation using 1080 in the Cobb area of Kahurangi National Park was completed on 1 July 2026.
The alert said the area is open, but there may be toxic carcasses and bait in the area. Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk to prepare for the tramping sections, and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Flora Circuit (via Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Hut): 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Flora Circuit take?
DOC gives 4 hours for the 10 km loop.
How hard is it?
It mixes easy to intermediate walking track with advanced tramping track sections.
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.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Which huts are on the circuit?
Mt Arthur Hut (serviced, bookings required) and Flora Hut (basic, first come, first served). Both are DOC huts.
Is the area affected by 1080?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert said a 1080 operation in the Cobb area was completed on 1 July 2026, and the area is open, but toxic carcasses and bait may be present.
What views will I get?
Views over the Arthur Range and Tasman Bay from the higher parts of the loop.
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