How to get there

Roads from Nelson and Motueka meet the Motueka River at Ngatimoti where a bridge crosses to West Bank Road. The unsealed Graham Valley Road climbs steeply to Flora Carpark where there is a coin phone, toilet and information kiosk. On-demand taxi services are available to or from the carpark.

Trips from Flora Carpark

Flora Hut. 30 min, 2 km.

This short path leads over Flora Saddle and down to Flora Hut, an ideal place for families.

Mt Arthur Hut. 1 hr 15 min, 3 km.

From Flora Saddle a well-graded path follows the ridge towards Mt Arthur, winding through beech forest and groves of candelabra-like mountain neinei. The hut is just on the tree line; it has gas for heating. No cooking facilities and eight bunks.

Mt Arthur (1795m). 4 hr, 8 km.

This walk offers panoramic views and a good look at the rock formations that make this mountain special. From Mt Arthur Hut the marked route follows the Arthur Range. Water is scarce and the route is quite exposed, particularly when hard snow is about - mountain experience and equipment is recommended in winter. Care is required around the many bluffs, sinkholes and caves; warm and waterproof clothing should be carried.

Mt Lodestone (1462m). 2 hr, 5 km

A tramping track leads steeply up the ridge north of the carpark. From the summit return to the carpark direct or via Flora Hut.

The Tablelands Circuit

This 2-day trip is a good introduction to tramping. Keep to the lower (Flora valley) route in poor weather or if you are inexperienced.

Flora Carpark-Upper Junction-Salisbury Lodge. 4 hr, 14 km

About 45 minutes down is Bishop s Pool, said to be where Bishop Suter of Nelson bathed while on a visit to the Tablelands diggings.

After a further 30 minutes, you II find the Gridiron shelters - two rock camps that together accommodate 7 people.

Take the left fork at Upper Junction (about 112hrs down from Flora Hut) and ;m begin a steady climb. The track passes ;m Growler Shelter after about 30 minutes and the forest becomes ever sparser until you emerge suddenly on the tussocklands known as Salisbury s Open.

A short side track leads to another rock shelter that will hold 8 people.

Salisbury Lodge (24 bunks) is 20 minutes further on, across the open. Gas burners provide both heating and cooking.

Salisbury Lodge-Gordons Pyramid-Mt Arthur Hut-Flora Carpark. 5-6 hr, 14km.

This route is strenuous and exposed requiring good visibility. The views are superb. There is no water, it must be carried.

From Salisbury Lodge walk back to the Gordons Pyramid signpost. Follow the track through forest up to the bushline. A marked route then leads over the pyramid (1489m) and follows a defined ridge before dropping into Horseshoe Basin. From here the route climbs up to the ridge above Mount Arthur Hut, then through forest to Flora Carpark. Cloustons Mine can also be accessed from this route by dropping down to the bushline from the top of the Pyramid and following the track markers.

Side Trips From Salisbury Lodge

Balloon Hut: This is 11/2hrs (4km) by a walking track from Salisbury Lodge; it has 14 bunks and a gas stove and heater. The Potholes (round trip 1 hr 30 min, 3km); From Salisbury Lodge walk back to the Gordon s Pyramid signpost. Enter the forest and turn right at the Potholes sign. Poles lead through the chain of sink holes, passing Sphinx Creek (which disappears into a cave) and bringing you out in Sphinx Gully, not far below the lodge.

Clouston s mine shortcut (Horseshoe Creek to Salisbury Lodge). 3 hr, 8km.