Lodestone Summit Nelson: Day Trip Climb in Kahurangi with Tasman Bay Views

Last updated November 2026

The Lodestone summit track climbs from Flora car park in the Mount Arthur area of Kahurangi National Park to the top of Lodestone (1462 m), with views over Tasman Bay and the Arthur Range. Flora car park is about 46 km from Nelson in a straight line.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track: about 2 hours and 2 km to the summit, or 4 to 5 hours for the 7.5 km loop back via Flora Hut.

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

Check DOC before you go

Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Lodestone summit on the day you walk.

Current alerts on DOC

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Track (DOC)Hut

Walking time4 - 5 hr return

DOC gradeAdvanced

DogsNo dogs

Track typeTramping track, Walking track

Hut on the trackFlora Hut

Practical Information

Start

Flora car park, at the top of Graham Valley Road

Distance from the city

About 46 km from Nelson; DOC gives 36 km by road from Motueka

Walking time

2 hr to the summit; 4–5 hr return via Flora Hut

Track length

2 km to the summit; 7.5 km loop via Flora Hut

Grade

Advanced tramping track

Dogs

No dogs

Huts

Flora Hut (DOC hut) on the return loop

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 Lodestone Summit

From Flora car park, a tramping track heads steeply up the ridge to the north. It is a short climb in distance but a stiff one, gaining height quickly to the 1462 m summit.

Flora Hut

Flora Hut is a basic DOC hut with 12 bunk beds. DOC’s hut page lists it as first come, first served with no bookings required, and free to use.

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 can be difficult. DOC recommends 4WD at all times of the year.

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, and tell someone your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

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