Lake Chalice Track

Time: 1 hr
Distance: 2.6 km

From the car park a benched tramping track leads down to Lake Chalice Hut near the eastern end of the lake. Allow a little more time for the return journey.

Chalice Loop Track

Time: 2 hr 30 min return
Distance: 6.5 km

Clockwise from Lake Chalice Hut the track follows the southern shore of the lake for approximately an hour to a sign posted junction. Here it turns right and crosses the old landslide to the northern side of the lake and then skirts around some bluffy areas before sidling to the eastern end of the lake, where two tributaries enter close together. If the lake level is low walk around the shore to Lake Chalice Hut. If not, stay on the track, crossing the tributaries and emerging opposite Lake Chalice Hut.

5 km north Renwick (just over the Wairau River bridge) turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road. Follow this for 33 km then turn into Top Valley Road. Continue for 6 km then turn into Staircase Road and follow this for 18 km to the car park.

Safety: Bad weather can occur at any time, so be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing and extra food. Make sure you have enough experience for your trip. Always fill in hut books and ensure someone knows your intentions.

Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

Drinking water: The purity of drinking water in Mount Richmond Forest Park can't be guaranteed. If you doubt the quality of any water source you should boil, filter or chemically treat it.