Bookings not required - first come, first served
Forestry operations in the area can close roads into Mount Richmond Forest Park. Check the status of roads into Mount Richmond Forest Park.
This is part of the Te Araora Trail.
Old Man Hut (1140 m) sits in a large grassy clearing between Old Man Peak and Mt Rintoul. It was built in 1966 by the New Zealand Forest Service, one of many SF70 huts built in this era, and upgraded in 1997.
The tops of Old Man offer great views over Nelson and Motueka, and is one of the many island-like mountains within Mt Richmond Forest Park.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Child/Infant (0–4 years): free
Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.
About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Slaty Hut: 5 hr
Lake Chalice Hut to Old Man Hut
Lake Chalice Hut via Old Man: 7 hr (10 km)
From Lake Chalice Hut follow the eastern side of the lake for 15 minutes to the Old Man Track junction. Climb to point 1522 m, down a spur to a saddle, then continue up the other side to Old Man (1514 m). Continue west along the Richmond Range before descending to the hut.
Mid Goulter Hut to Old Man Hut
Mid Goulter Hut: 4 hr (10 km)
From Mid Goulter Hut, follow the route for about 1 hour to a junction. Cross the main Goutler River and continue up the steep, true left side of the tributary for about 1 hour 30 minutes before crossing it. Continue climbing to a flat clearing, on the edge of which lies Old Man Hut.
Mt Rintoul Hut to Old Man Hut
Mt Rintoul Hut: 5 hr (4.5 km)
A short bush track leads to scree slopes heading to Mt Rintoul (1731m). It is rocky and exposed involving some scrambling – take particular care and be prepared to wait out adverse weather. It is possible to climb along the very sharp and rugged ridge, or to sidle on the southern side below the ridge. The track then carries on past a saddle onto Little Rintoul (1643 m). Old Man Hut is signposted off the main ridge.
Tracks to this hut
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Duration: N/A Difficulty: Advanced, Expert -
Duration: 2 days Difficulty: Advanced -
Duration: 8 days Difficulty: Advanced, Expert
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BR26
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1622604, N5402906
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
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