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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: -41.48116, 173.42369. 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
- 2 days
- 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
These tracks provide access to Mt Richmond (1760 m) and can be combined for weekend round trip.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Richmond routes 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 days
- 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
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.
Timms Creek Route
Te Rou Road to Mt Fell Hut
Time: 6–7 hrDistance: 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 hrDistance: 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.
Richmond Saddle Route
Top Valley Road to Richmond Saddle Hut
Time: 6 hrDistance: 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.
Getting there
Te 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.
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 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
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.
