Mt Richmond, Northbank routes

Track category

Route

Description

Quartz Creek/Mount Royal

Time: 4 hr one way

This track, accessible from Bartletts Road (off Fabians Valley Road), climbs steeply through the forest to the summit. There are no markers above the bush line. From the bushline on the northern side another marked route descends to Devils Creek Hut in the Wakamarina valley.

Other routes

Marked and unmarked routes lead up to the Richmond Range from Goulter Valley and Lake Chalice. These make various circuits possible. You need good fitness and route-finding experience.

Getting there

The northbank of Wairau River provides access to Mt Richmond Forest Park.

To get to this part of the forest park, turn off State Highway 6, just north of the Wairau River Bridge, 16 km from Blenheim.

There is no scheduled public transport available.

Places to stay

Devils Creek Hut
Fishtail Hut
Fosters Hut
Lake Chalice Hut
Lower Goulter Hut
Mid Goulter Hut
Mt Fell Hut
Old Man Hut
Pine Valley Hut
Richmond Saddle Hut

You need backcountry hut tickets or a backcountry hut pass to stay in the huts, which all require one ticket.

Plan and prepare

  • Snow, wind, and fog are hazards on the tops.
  • Be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and extra food.
  • Only undertake the Chalice-Goulter Track or the Mt Patriarch Track if you are an experienced and fit tramper.
  • Only light fires in hut fireplaces.
  • Rivers can rise quickly; do not cross when they are swollen.
  • Boil, filter, or treat water for drinking.
  • Always use the intentions books.

Mt Richmond Forest Park access

Check if the access roads to Mt Richmond Forest Park are open.

Order a parkmap

Download an order form for the Mt Richmond Forest Park parkmap (PDF, 48K). The parkmap costs $18.99 plus postage and handling.

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Weather

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Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Great Walks

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for Marlborough tracks

Contacts

Kaikoura Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 319 5641
Address: West End
Kaikoura
Email: info@kaikoura.co.nz
Full office details

South Marlborough Area Office
Phone: +64 3 572 9100
Email: southmarlboroughao@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

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