Jameson Ridge Track

Jameson Ridge Track is an 8.6-mile out-and-back from Mole Stream to the high ridge near Mole Saddle. Allow about five and a half hours. The climb starts in forest, then the trees thin and tussock clearings open onto the ridge. It is a proper half-day hike with a steep uphill effort and the same climb to descend on the way back.

The track briefly drops toward Mole Stream before heading uphill through beech forest. As you gain height, the trees become smaller; around 1,000 metres the gradient eases and the walk follows a more open ridge. Red and silver beech grow lower in the valley, with mountain beech nearer the treeline. Some of the open tops were farmed and burned in the past.

The mapped Jameson Ridge line reaches the open high country near Mole Saddle. The saddle gives you a view across tussock and mountain ridges; the fuller Mole Tops and tarn country is farther on. The Mole Hut circuit is a different, longer outing that adds other tracks and returns by Mole Track, so don't count that loop as part of this out-and-back.

The signposted Mole Stream car park is near Mataki Lodge on Tutaki Road South; the Jameson Ridge start is back up the road at a stile on the farmland edge. DOC identifies the Jameson track as access to the northern Ella Range, but the current permission and parking arrangements for this particular start are not clear. Confirm them with DOC or the landholder before setting out. Nelson Lakes is rugged high country: severe weather can arrive in any season, and heavy rain can flood streams and rivers. Dogs are not allowed in the national park.