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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.47647, 173.50615. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 5 hr 40 min to hut
- Track grade
- Expert
- Location
- Mount Richmond Forest Park
- 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.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Climb up to Mt Fishtail (1643 m) via Fishtail Hut.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Fishtail Route 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: 5 hr 40 min to hut
- DOC grade: Expert
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
Pine Valley Road to Pine Valley Hut site
Time: 40 minDistance: 2 km
Follow the Pine Valley Track to Mill Flat Campsite and on to the site of the old Pine Valley Hut.
Pine Valley Hut site to Fishtail Hut
Time: 5 hrDistance: 7 km
Continue past the Pine Valley Hut site and take the track up the ridge above to Fishtail Hut.
Fishtail Hut to Mt Fishtail summit (1643 m)
Time: 1 hr
Getting there
5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road. Follow this for 25 km then turn into Pine Valley Road and follow this to the end.
A 4WD is recommended.
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
Snow, wind and fog are hazards of the open tops - you will need the skill to tramp in these condition.
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.
