Old Man Hut Circuit: Walking Guide, Time & Access

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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 information

Location source

DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.

Reference point: -41.54439, 173.29401. 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: 30 km loop
Walking time: 2 days
Track grade: Advanced
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 for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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

This circuit via Old Man Hut makes a good weekend tramp.

This DOC directory entry covers Old Man Hut Circuit 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: 30 km loop
Walking time: 2 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 for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Staircase Road to Lake Chalice Hut

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.

Lake Chalice Hut to Old Man Hut

Time: 7 hrDistance: 10 km

From Lake Chalice Hut follow the eastern side of the lake for 15 minutes to the Old Man Track junction. Climb to point 1522 m, down a spur to a saddle, then continue up the other side to Old Man (1514 m). Continue west along the Richmond Range before descending to the hut.

Old Man Hut to Staircase Road via Goulter River

Time: 7 hrDistance: 17.3 km

From Old Man Hut descend steeply to a stream, following it to the Goulter River. From there, follow the undulating track to the western end of Lake Chalice and on to Lake Chalice Hut. From the hut the benched track climbs to Staircase Road.

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

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 (external site).
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.