Chalice–Goulter Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Follow the Goulter River from Lake Chalice.

This DOC directory entry covers Chalice–Goulter Track in Marlborough, within Mount Richmond Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 2-3 days
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Seasonal restrictions

Forestry operations in the area can close roads into Mount Richmond Forest Park. Check the status of roads into Mount Richmond Forest Park.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Staircase Road to Lake Chalice Hut

Time: 1 hrDistance: 2.6 km

Lake Chalice Hut to Lake Chalice (western end)

Time: 1 hrDistance: 2.6 km

Lake Chalice (western end) to Mid-Goulter Hut

Time: 4 hrDistance: 6.7 km

From the western end of Lake Chalice, the track descends past where the Goulter River begins at a group of springs. Once into the valley proper, the track follows the true left of the river all the way down to Mid-Goulter Hut.

Mid-Goulter Hut to Lower Goulter Hut

Time: 3 hrDistance: 8 km

The Goulter valley widens below Mid-Goulter Hut into one of the few areas in the forest park with extensive river flats. If the river is high take the all weather track which follows the true left bank, crossing a number of side streams before finally climbing over a bluffy outcrop and dropping to the hut. If the river is low, travel in the riverbed is possible.

Lower Goulter Hut to 4WD road end

Time: 45 minDistance: 2 km

Lower Goulter Hut to 2WD road end

Time: 2 hr 45 min Distance: 12 km

The 4WD road end connects with a 2WD road end at Tiphead Stream.

Getting there

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.

A 4WD is recommended.

Goulter Road is open to walkers and bikers only

This road is not suitable for vehicles.

Vehicles can park either before Patriarch Station at the start of the public easement, or approximately 2 km further along Goulter Road just prior to crossing Patriarch Stream.

It is 6 km from Patriarch Station or 4 km from the Patriarch Stream to the Mount Richmond Forest Park boundary. There is a locked gate just past Patriarch Stream.

Check the status of this road if you plan to use this exit. As of July 2023, the road was shut from Patriarch Station due to multiple washouts.

Know before you go

Make sure you have enough experience for your trip. Always fill in hut books and ensure someone knows your intentions.

Hazards

• 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

In normal flows unbridged streams and rivers can be crossed. However, in flood they can become impassable and you will need to be prepared to wait until flood waters recede.

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

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.