Lake Chalice Hut tracks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Explore the area around Lake Chalice, the only lake in Mount Richmond Forest Park - the short, easy walk to the hut is ideal for an overnight tramp with children.

This DOC directory entry covers Lake Chalice Hut tracks 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: 1 hr to hut | 2 hr 30 min loop from hut
• 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

Lake Chalice Track

Time: 1 hrDistance: 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 returnDistance: 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.

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

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.

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.