Mt Richmond

Mt Richmond is most easily accessed from Top Valley, on the northern side of the Wairau River.

From Nelson, head east along State Highway 6 all the way into Marlborough. Turn right onto Northbank Rd, which is just before the Wairau River bridge. Follow Northbank Rd for 33 km to the right-hand turnoff to Top Valley. Head up Top Valley and follow the DOC signs until the right-hand turn-off onto Jackson Creek Rd (which becomes Richmond Saddle Rd). At this point you will need to ford Top Valley Stream; a 4WD is recommended for this. If your vehicle cannot manage the ford, you’ll have to leave it here. On the other side of the ford, follow the DOC signs along the forestry road as it winds up the ridge to the start of the track (520 m elevation).

The well-worn track climbs at a steady rate up the crest of a spur through beech forest. After 4.5 km the ridge levels off and rocky points allow good views of the mass of Mt Richmond across the valley to the north. As the ridge keeps rising, the track sidles the eastern side of it, gently undulating through silver beech. The track is a little more rocky and rooty underfoot for the rest of the distance to Richmond Saddle Hut.

Richmond Saddle Hut is positioned in a grassy clearing in the saddle west of Mt Richmond. The saddle is open to the north, allowing views to the headwaters of the Pelorus River catchment.

The route to Mt Richmond summit (and onward to Mt Fell) continues from the hut, heading straight up from the saddle. After 20 min you’ll reach the tree line, above which the mountainside is largely a jagged boulder field, with imposing craggy outcrops jutting out above. Poles with orange triangles mounted on top give an approximate indication of where the route goes, though as the main path worn up the mountain is often loose and crumbly, you may find it easier to pick your own way. Take care not to dislodge rocks onto anyone below you.

Once on the summit ridge, it’s a straightforward walk to the summit. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Richmond Ranges, Wairau Valley and Tasman Bay. Particularly impressive are the dramatic ridges and rock formations of Johnston Peak and Mt Fell.

To return to Richmond Saddle Hut, return the way you came. Otherwise, continue east along the poled route as it drops off the summit through more craggy rocks and into the gentle tussock saddle known as ‘Devil’s Armchair’ between Mt Richmond and Johnston Peak. Once on the eastern side of the ridge that leads to Johnston Peak, the poled route follows the ridge towards Mt Fell through open tussock, with steep bluffs dropping to the west. The track here is not so worn, so take care with foot placement as the tussock obscures some of the rocks and uneven ground surface. Before the ridge starts rising toward the summit of Mt Fell, you’ll reach a track junction with the route to Middy Hut (6-8 hr away). To get to Mt Fell Hut, turn right here and drop down to the tree line. You’ll pass the original location of Mt Fell Hut and then it’s a short sidle through beech forest to its current position.

Mt Richmond is an alpine environment, so proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip. The track reaches a high elevation and is exposed above the tree line. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extreme care if snow and ice are present. Do not rely on the Blenheim weather forecast as the alpine conditions in Mount Richmond Forest Park are likely to be drastically different. Make sure you carry plenty of water with you as there are no reliable water sources between Top Valley Stream and Richmond Saddle Hut.

See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.