Solo Overnight Hike - Pinnacles Hut, Mt Somers

I have been hiking for 15 years, but I have never gone on a solo overnight hike before. Finally doing so was a deeply satisfying experience.

Initially, I planned to do the Mt Somers Circuit in Mid Canterbury as an overnight trip. I had done it a few times before, it was close to home, and I knew I would feel comfortable being alone. However, when I tried to book a night at Woolshed Creek hut, I found out that it was already fully booked. I thought about camping instead, but it was too early in September for me to spend a night in a tent since the overnight temperatures could be close to zero or even below.

So, I came up with a Plan B and booked a night at Pinnacles Hut. I was thrilled with how my alternative hike turned out. So when Woolshed Creek Hut is fully booked, this alternative circuit to Pinnacles Hut makes for an excellent option for anyone with moderate fitness. On

Saturday morning, I drove 45 minutes from Ashburton to Woolshed Creek Car Park. At first, I encountered low clouds and drizzle, which made me question my decision and my ability to check weather forecasts for hiking. I even thought about turning around and abandoning my first ever solo hike. But after driving just 5 minutes beyond Mt Somers village, the mist cleared up and revealed a beautiful blue sky and warm sunshine.

In the car park, I geared up, laced my boots, and crossed the bridge over Woolshed Creek to embark on my climb up Rhyolite Track. After an hour of steep climbing, I reached the junction with the Bus Stop Route and South Face Track, turning right and continuing towards the Bus Stop, where I planned to have morning tea. This section traverses a tussock plateau over track and boardwalk, drops briefly down to cross the small Moses Stream, and then begins a steady climb up to the Bus Stop.

It took me an hour to reach the Bus Stop from the junction, where I enjoyed a relaxed break soaking in the views and the sunshine while contemplating the next phase of my day. My plan was to head down to Woolshed Creek Hut then follow the old 4WD track to the Saddle above Pinnacles Hut, where I intended to stop for lunch.

During the descent from the Bus Stop, I was overtaken by a lone trail runner, who I assumed was training for the upcoming Mission Mt Somers. We briefly said "hello," and he continued on his way. I gazed as he progressed downhill, knowing my footsteps would soon follow. Eventually, I crossed Tri Falls Stream and climbed briefly through Mountain Beech trees before finally dropping down to cross the swing bridge to Woolshed Creek Hut. There were no signs of life at the hut, which I found odd considering it should have been fully booked for the night. However, given it was only 11.15am, people were probably still making their way in.

From the hut, the old 4WD track follows Tor Creek as it heads up towards Mt Somers Saddle, crossing Hydroslide Stream and passing the Water Caves at Morgan Stream. As I steadily climbed, patches of snow became visible in the shadows, eventually encroaching on the track until it could no longer be avoided. At this point, I realised that my intention of packing micro spikes had not become my reality, and I had left them behind. I was comfortable with walking on snow, after all, in my 15 years of hiking, I've been on it many times, and I enjoy both snowboarding and skiing. I assessed the level of risk I was taking, looked ahead to plan my route and footsteps, and pressed onwards.

It took me 1.5 hours to get from Woolshed Creek Hut to Mt Somers Saddle. As the snow was quite deep, I decided to continue on until the junction with Te Kiekie Route, where I stopped to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sun before continuing down to Pinnacles Hut. This next section took one hour, descending through tussock, occasional snow patches, and side streams. I enjoyed views down to the Canterbury Plains below. I reached Pinnacles Hut at 2pm, where I met a lovely couple who had arrived at the hut for the night not long before me.

Sitting in the hut, I reflected on the journey it took to get here. I felt proud of myself for making it, especially since I had only encountered one other person all day. I made myself some tea and read a magazine on the front deck while admiring the breathtaking views. Throughout the afternoon, more and more people arrived at the hut until only three bunks were left for the night.

Around 4pm, low clouds and mist covered the mountain and the hut. I began to wonder about the weather for Sunday, how icy the snow over the saddle would be, and if I would be able to cross it safely. After enjoying a delicious meal of Pad Thai noodles and hot chocolate, I settled into my sleeping bag and listened to the sounds of my hut companions as I drifted off to sleep.

Sometime during the night, I woke up and made my way to the long drop. When I stepped out of the hut, I was greeted by an incredible sight: a bright, full moon and stars shining down on me.

As morning dawned and filled the hut, I got up to make myself breakfast. The view from the hut window was breathtaking, with the sun slowly rising and turning the mountain from deep red into bright orange. I could see the Canterbury Plains below, shrouded in a thick layer of clouds.

At 7:30am, I left the hut and began my climb towards the saddle as the sun climbed higher in the sky. When I reached the snow, I carefully planned my route and footsteps, taking my time to ensure my safety. The track was initially flat but gradually became steeper. The snow section lasted about 750 metres, and I felt proud of myself for making it to the end. I retraced my steps from the day before to Woolshed Creek Hut, where I enjoyed a snack on the deck in the sunshine.

From there, I planned to take the Miners Track, pass the old Coal Mine, and finish at the car park where I had begun. This section of the track was busy, and I passed 16 people who were all heading back to the car park after spending the night at Woolshed Creek Hut.

I had a great time on my first solo overnight hike and would highly recommend this trail as an alternative to the usual Mt Somers Circuit. This experience has given me the confidence to tackle more solo overnight and multi-day hikes in the future. I'm excited to continue hiking for the next 15 years or more.