Mt Richmond routes
WalkMarlborough
- Grade
- Expert
- Walking time
- 2 days
- Distance
- 28.5 km full circuit
- Dogs
- DOC permit only
Access: read before you go
Top Valley Road: 5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road. Follow this for 33 km then turn into Top Valley Road. Follow Top Valley Road for 7 km to Jubilee Flat. 4WD vehicles can ford Top Valley Stream here and drive the 4 km up Jackson Creek Road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzTe Rou Road: 5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road. Follow this for 31 km then turn into Te Rou Road. Timms Creek car park is at the end of the road.
Top Valley Road: 5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road. Follow this for 33 km then turn into Top Valley Road. Follow Top Valley Road for 7 km to Jubilee Flat. 4WD vehicles can ford Top Valley Stream here and drive the 4 km up Jackson Creek Road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 41.48116° S, 173.42369° E
About this place
These tracks provide access to Mt Richmond (1760 m) and can be combined for weekend round trip.
The route
Combine these tracks to make a good weekend round trip via Mt Richmond Saddle Hut. Note, the road ends at Timms Creek and Jacksons Road are 17 km apart.
Te Rou Road to Mt Fell Hut
Time: 6–7 hr
12.8 km From the Timms Creek car park on Te Rou Road, a walking track goes up the true right of the creek for one hour to a flat area ideal for picnicking or swimming. From here a marked route leads up to Mt Fell Hut.
Mt Fell Hut to Richmond Saddle Hut
Time: 3–4 hr
5.2 km From Mt Fell Hut a poled route traverses tussock tops and rock along the Richmond Range. Walk 10 minutes up towards the ridge. Follow the poles along the ridge to a sidle under Johnstons Peak and through Devils Armchair to Mt Richmond (1760 m). There are guaranteed amazing views on a fine day. Parts of the climb to Mt Richmond will be rocky and steep as with the descent of 560 m from the summit to Richmond Saddle Hut.
Top Valley Road to Richmond Saddle Hut
Time: 6 hr
10.5 km Just before Jubilee Flat on Top Valley Road is Jackson Creek Road. Jackson Creek Road crosses Top Valley Stream and climbs for 2 hours (4 km) to a prominent ridge. A marked route leads up this ridge to Richmond Saddle Hut, one hour below the summit of Mt Richmond. It's possible to climb to Mt Richmond (1760 m) in a day but a good level of fitness is essential.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Hazards
Snow, wind and fog are hazards of the open tops – you will need the skill to tramp in these conditions. Check the Mount Richmond weather forecast to prepare . Water should be carried in dry conditions – there is a river/creek at the bottom but this water becomes scarce further up, especially in summer. Water in the park may not be safe to drink. If you doubt the safety of any water source, you should boil, filter or chemically treat it. Bad weather can occur at any time - be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and extra food. Wasps are common from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Rivers and streams
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
On this track
In walking order.
Nearby stops
Fishtail Hut
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Fishtail Hut is a standard four-bunk hut located in the South Marlborough area.
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Mill Flat Campsite
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Mill Flat Campsite is a campsite in Marlborough situated in a grassy clearing surrounded by beech forest. The area offers opportunities for picnicking,…
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Roebuck Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Marlborough • 9.5 km
Roebuck Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Pelorus River valley in Marlborough.
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Middy Creek Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Marlborough • 11.1 km
Middy Creek Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Pelorus River valley in Marlborough.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Captains Creek Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Marlborough • 11.9 km
Captains Creek Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Pelorus River valley in Marlborough. It provides basic accommodation for hikers in the region.
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Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).