Northbank, Mt Richmond Forest Park

Introduction

Mounts Richmond and Fishtail,
Richmond Range

The northbank of Wairau River provides access to Mt Richmond Forest Park in the South Marlborough area.

Features

Natural

The Wairau Valley runs along the Alpine Fault, which has formed the mountainous Richmond Range. The lowland vegetation is mostly mixed beech and podocarp, with tussock grasses and shrubs on sub-alpine ridges. Alpine plants cling to high rock faces. Lake Chalice, created by a slip, is unusual in that its only fish are the native koaro.

Cultural/historical

At different times from the 1860s to the 1930s, gold was panned and mined in this area. European settlers cleared vast areas for farming. To stabilise the eroded soils, pine plantations began in the mid-1960s. Today, access to the forest park is through these plantations.

Activities

Mountain biking

You can mountain bike on the area's access roads.

Fishing

Anglers require a licence from the Fish and Game New Zealand.

Hunting

Hunters require a DOC permit to hunt on conservation land. To hunt in the pine plantations, a permit from Fletcher Forests is required.

Dog Walking

Dog access is controlled by permit, subject to approval and/or special conditions from DOC. Find out more about dog access on conservation land.