Where is it?:

Flora Hut is located in Kahurangi National Park Just over 1hr drive from Nelson. Access to the car park up Graham Valley Road is steep and narrow – not suitable for camper vans. Over the Christmas holidays the carpark can get full by 9am. There are shuttle companies that can transport you from Nelson.

The Tramp: 

Signposted as 2km/30 min, the track to Flora Hut is a gravel 4wd road suitable for mountain buggies or bike trailers (you will have to lift them over the gate at the car park). Keep an ear out as DOC rangers and trappers drive along the road. Mostly easy gradient through mature beech forest, although the first hill on the way back to the car park gives the legs a good workout. Keep an ear out for kaka and kea and whio, and of course the cheeky weka!

The Hut: 
Flora Hut is a basic hut but usually in good condition. Concrete floor and six bunks in each room. The bunks form an L-shape, so a littlie could be wedged in the corner to stop them falling out of bed. Fires are open, but raised, so keep an eye on toddlers.

Good to know: 

The hut is actually two identical huts, each with a fireplace and bench, separated by the woodshed (a throwback to when men and women slept separately) so unless it’s very busy you can stay separate from other trampers and not worry about disturbing anyone’s sleep. It’s mostly used by families as other trampers tend to head up to nearby Mt Arthur Hut. Heaps of room for tenting around the hut. Be aware that although this is an easy walk, the hut is at 900m so be prepared for frosts even in summer. Usually there is plenty of firewood at the hut, although it often needs splitting.

Flora Stream is across the clearing, perfect for throwing rocks into and a big grassy hill behind the hut to slide down!

Plenty of options for exploring the area further: the Gridiron rock shelters are a little further along the valley (fun to stay in for adventurous older kids), and tracks lead to Salisbury Lodge and Mt Arthur huts if you are looking to do a multi-day tramp.

Bikes are allowed on this section of the track, although it might be a bit tricky for most under 5’s.

Visited by:  Heather & family (visited regularly!)