The EllisExperienced
Submitted by Stu Houston
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Native bushRiversideOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Experienced
9.0 (Slow)
7.0 (Moderate)
4.0 (Fast)
-16.1%
+11.7%
Department of Conservation tracks check DOC website for updates on track status.
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Description
From Flora/Mt Arthur Carpark the track climbs on smooth gravel thru beech forest to Mt Arthur Hut just on the bush line. Fill your water bottles here (beware in summer the water tank can run dry) Then track climbs in the open across Karst rocks and tussocks towards the top of Mt Arthur.
Just below the summit the track into the Ellis Valley turns off to the Left/East. The track crossess more open Karst rock then begins a steep descent into the huge Ampitheatre of the Ellis Basin. All along these exposed tops there are stunning views in all directions over the mountains of Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes, Richmond ranges and the distant high peaks of the Kaikouras plus out to Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park. Don't under estimate these open tops as they are exposed to all weather and you are committed to several hours out on them, plus there is no water until Ellis Hut.
After a very steep descent into alpine tussock and Spaniard grass you arrive at the beautifully located Ellis Basin Hut, a lovely little 6 Bunk Hut have lunch and look at the stunning basin. Then tighten your laces for the rough, uneven, leg twisting rooty descent into The Ellis valley. The route is well marked but is just a route. There is no formed/benched track here as it drops and sidles its way to the Ellis River. It is slow going and very rarely can you run, but eventually you reach the valley floor and after many river crossings you reach the valley road.
Don't attempt this run in bad weather due to the exposure on the tops and the fact that the Ellis River can flood very quickly.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Mt Arthur Karst/Limestone Landscape many open Tomos (holes) Large open Alpine Basin with stunning views over Tasman District.
Make Up of Run
Technical Single Track: 60%
Moderate Single Track: 25%
Easy Single Track: 10%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 5%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate Strava activity for each
Arthur & Gordons
Length: 25.00km
Photos:
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Access
From Motueka head South on Motueka Valley Highway to Alexanda Bluff bridge. Cross the Motueka River and continue south on West Bank Road to Graham Valley Road, following signage to Mt Arthur Kahurangi National park.Road climbs up to Flora Carpark. The pick up is in the Ellis Valley so from the Graham Valley turnoff carry on South on the Westbank Road till you hit the gravel where it becomes the Baton Valley road and follow this to its end in the Ellis valley. A map and GPS highly recommended.
Parking is plentiful at Flora Saddle Carpark though at hoilday weekends it can be full with over 40 cars. At the other end in Ellis Valley there is plenty of parking in a valley that's not busy.
31 km
43 minutes
No
No
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Staying Safe
Moderate.
Track is well marked, though in winter snow poles can be burried or knocked over by avalanches. Be careful after storms in the Ellis Valley as windfalls can hide markers.
Very patchy.
Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
The first 9 kms are devoid of water except for Mt Arthur Hut but the Hut is very popular and in the heat of summer the water in the tank runs out. The last 6 kms you are in and out of the river several times.
In winter this trip can be dangerous with high Avalanche Danger in the Ellis Basin. Also the ridge up Mt Arthur cops weather from all directions, so take plenty of good gear at any time of the year.
Weather and open exposure and the Ellis River during and after heavy rain.
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Post run indulgence
Smoking Barrel Cafe
Motueka
Nice food real nice.Riverside Cafe
Lower Moutere
Nice food Nice Garden locationJester House
Tasman
Tasman District Classic Cafe for fine food lovely setting -
Sponsor this trail
See other runs nearby:
Kahurangi Caper
Mt Arthur Up & Back
Kaiteriteri Loop
Onetahuti Beach to Marahau
Mt Arthur Hut
Canaan Wainui Loop
Salisbury over Arthur
Leslie Karamea Wangapeka Ultra
Canaan to Birds Clearing
Harwoods Gold
Mt. Campbell Climb
The Trails of Mot
Takaka Hill Walkway
Mt Arthur - Flora Huts
Resurgence Bound
Lodestone Loop
