Discover Staveley: walking trails, lime kilns and an ice rink

Staveley brings together early New Zealand industrial history, family-friendly hiking options and a seasonal outdoor ice rink. The trails offer very different experiences, from a loop of about an hour to a two-day hike. The lime kilns also offer something distinctive, with access requiring you to take private farmland into account.

Lime kilns and early industrial history

Staveley’s lime kilns were built in the late 19th century and are examples of early New Zealand industry. Access is via a marked track that crosses private farmland. The starting point is the car park at the end of Boyds Road, beyond Staveley township. Check the access conditions before you arrive.

Hikes on the Sharplin Falls Track

The Sharplin Falls Track is at the end of Flynn Road in Staveley. This easy family trail passes through native bush to a cascading waterfall in the foothills of Mt Somers and leads to a viewing platform. Allow about an hour for the loop. There is a shelter, toilets and an information board at the Sharplin Falls car park; it’s best to check whether the facilities are available before your visit. You should also check track conditions before setting out.

Mount Somers Track: a short section or a multi-day hike

The Mount Somers Track runs from the Sharplin Falls car park to the Woolshed Creek car park on the north side of Mount Somers. The hike is designed to take two days and is suitable for families. The section from the Sharplin Falls car park to Pinnacles Hut is listed as 5.8 kilometres and 3.5 hours, providing a specific reference point for planning this part of the track.

A circuit on the Mount Somers Track starts and ends at the Sharplin Falls car park. The section from Woolshed Creek Hut to the Sharplin Falls car park is listed as a challenging tramping track, covering 14 kilometres and taking eight hours. These figures refer to this section, not to the entire circuit. The circuit is described overall as longer and more challenging than the Mount Somers Track. Alpine conditions can vary; check current track conditions before setting out and allow some flexibility in your walking times.

Staveley Ice Rink and seasonal planning

Staveley Ice Rink has been operating since 1951 and is one of New Zealand’s few remaining outdoor ice rinks. It is surrounded by native beech forest and the Southern Alps. As a seasonal facility, its operation depends on conditions and the season’s schedule. If the ice rink is part of your travel plans, check the current schedule in advance.

Staveley as a starting point for planning your trip

When looking for hotels in Staveley, the time required for your chosen activities can be a useful guide: the Sharplin Falls Track offers a loop of about an hour, while the Mount Somers Track is described as a two-day hike. The seasonal ice rink offers a different focus. Consider which of these options matters for your trip planning, and check the season’s schedule if you’re interested in the ice rink.

A look at the wider Ashburton District destination

The Ashburton District also offers cultural and scenic points of interest. The area of Awa Awa Rata Reserve is known as Mahitahi and was a kāinga mahika kai, or a place where food was gathered. Two walking trails there lead to Scott’s Saddle or along the ridge. The reserve is also a picnic area and a destination for day trips. Alongside Staveley’s trails and industrial history, the wider destination offers cultural history and more walking opportunities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pleasant Point, Mount Peel, Loburn, Burnham, Maungati, Waiau, Rakaia, Arthur's Pass.

Back to the wider travel overview: Canterbury.