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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: -43.87148, 170.62274. 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
- 13 km one way
- Walking time
- 4 - 5 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Lake Tekapo area
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. 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
Enjoy stunning views of Lake Tekapo while walking or riding this track. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Richmond Trail in Canterbury, within Lake Tekapo area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 13 km one way
- Walking time: 4 - 5 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
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.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
From Lilybank Road, turn off at Roundhill Ski Area. There is a formed car park at the locked gate on the ski area access road. It is an uphill walk from the car park. After 3 km look out for the Richmond Trail sign.
The trail travels along an old glacial terrace through tussocks and patches of native vegetation. On a fine day you get sweeping views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. It is a steep descent above Boundary Stream on the way back to Lilybank Road.
This trail starts and finishes in different places so two vehicles are required or an arranged pick-up.
Mountain biking
Richmond Trail is best cycled in a clock-wise direction. Park at the car park on Roundhill Ski Area access road and ride 3 km uphill to the trail start. It is straight forward riding along the terrace before the descent to Lilybank Road. Parts of the descent are steep, but these can be walked.
This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Getting there
This track is on the eastern shores of Lake Tekapo. Turn off SH8 at Tekapo onto Lilybank Road which is a gravel road.
Know before you go
Map: NZTopo50 BY17 Lake Tekapo
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.
