About this hunting block

General information

Mt Richmond Forest Park is a large forested area that sits between the Waimea Basin that drains into Tasman Bay, and the Wairau River that drains into Cloudy Bay near Blenheim.

Much of the park is made up of relatively low altitude forested river valleys with few open tops. Rivers are generally steep and fast flowing. An ultramafic belt runs along the northern edge of the park and gives rise to some uniquely different vegetation types. The best example of this is Dun Mountain, behind Nelson City, that can be accessed via Coppermine Saddle.

Mt Richmond enjoys a relatively mild climate and is well protected by mountain ranges that deflect the worst of the weather from most directions. Like all back country areas storm events can occur at anytime so visitors must be well equipped. Annual rainfall is around 2500 mm per year and snow settles on the highest points for brief periods in winter. Occasional intense weather systems can cause river levels to rise suddenly.

Red and fallow deer are present in low numbers as are pigs and goats. Bush hunting is required as there are few open flats. Good hunting and navigation skills are required to enjoy success.

Access

Access to the northern edge of the park adjacent to Nelson City is via a number of public access easements that pass through exotic plantation forest managed by private forest companies.

The main rivers flowing into Tasman Bay are the Roding, Wairoa and Motueka and each has a series of tracks giving access to tramping routes. Most routes above the bush line are marked with blue route markers to aid navigation. 

Landholders

Many of the public access easements pass through exotic plantation forest and are all signposted. Roads may be closed from time to time to allow logging operations to be conducted safely or when fire dangers are extreme.

Maps

Park Map 274-06, Topo50-BR25, BR26.

Dogs

Weka are becoming more common throughout the northern part of the park. Dogs are permitted, providing a dog permit is obtained. Dogs must be kept outside and tied up at night.

Huts

Most catchments contain public huts for overnight accommodation. Back Country Hut tickets are required and most are standard huts. There are no booking systems and accommodation is on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

Places to stay in Mt Richmond Forest Park

Additional information

No additional hunting restrictions apply.