Loading...
Aniseed Valley, Richmond
11.4 km
4 hours
340 metres
If you are looking for a slice of rugged, untouched wilderness right on Nelson’s doorstep, the Hacket Hut Track in the Aniseed Valley is a quintessential New Zealand tramping experience. This isn’t your average groomed gravel walk; it’s a journey into the heart of the Mount Richmond Forest Park that offers a bit of everything—from crystal-clear river crossings and whispering waterfalls to the intriguing history of 19th-century mining.
At 11.4 kilometres return, it is a solid four-hour mission that rewards those who don't mind a bit of technical footwork. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a visitor wanting to see the "wild" side of the Tasman region, the Hacket offers a sense of isolation and adventure that belies its proximity to Richmond.
The adventure begins at the end of Aniseed Valley Road, where the Hacket Track car park sits tucked against the hills. The initial stage of the walk is deceptively gentle. You’ll set off on a wide, well-formed gravel path that leads you across a sturdy wooden bridge over the Roding River. In the height of summer, this spot is a local favourite, with the clear, cool waters inviting you in for a dip before you’ve even broken a sweat.
However, don't let the easy start fool you. As you move past the initial flats and enter the lush native bush and towering pine forest, the track begins to show its true character. The path narrows significantly as it follows the contours of the valley, sidling along steep slopes high above the rushing Hacket Creek.
The "hard" difficulty rating for this track comes primarily from the terrain’s volatility. The Nelson Tasman region has seen some wild weather in recent years, and the Hacket Track bears the scars. You will encounter several significant slips and areas of unstable ground where the trail has been partially washed away. These sections require a keen eye and steady foot placement. Danger signs mark the most precarious spots, and while they are manageable for experienced trampers, they demand your full attention.
The sensation of the walk is one of total immersion. One minute you are under the dense canopy of ancient beech trees, the air cool and damp, and the next you are traversing a sunny, exposed slip with views down into the rocky gorge. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing landscape that keeps you on your toes—literally. Because of these technical sections and the drop-offs near the creek, this walk is not recommended for children, though your four-legged companions are more than welcome to join the fun, provided they are fit and agile.
Parking is available at the signposted Hacket Track car park at the end of Aniseed Valley Road. The car park has toilet facilities.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
16.5km away
An inviting cafe in central Richmond known for fresh coffee, delicious daily fare, and a range of gluten-free and vegetarian options. Offers indoor and outdoor dining.
Be the first to share a photo of this trail
Recent reports from hikers
No condition reports yet.
Be the first to report the current conditions!
See what other hikers are saying
--
No reviews yet
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Out and back
The Hacket Hut Track is packed with hidden gems that make the 340-metre elevation gain well worth the effort.
Whispering Falls: About a third of the way in, you’ll see a signposted turn-off for Whispering Falls. This is a non-negotiable detour. Unlike the thundering drops of the West Coast, these falls are delicate and ethereal. The water cascades over mossy rock faces in a fine mist that looks like a light rain shower, especially magical after a bit of rainfall. Be aware that the bridge to the falls was washed out, so depending on the river level, you might need to get your feet wet or admire them from across the flow.
The Chromite Mine: For the history buffs, the Chromite Mine Track junction offers a glimpse into Nelson’s industrial past. This side-trip leads to a disused historic mine where chrome was once extracted from the rugged hills. It’s a stark reminder of the hardy souls who worked these mountains over a century ago.
The Mineral Belt: As you approach the hut, the forest thins out into unique "mineral belt" scrub. This area is geologically fascinating, featuring ultramafic rock outcrops that create a distinctive, stunted landscape. The orange-hued rocks and specialised plant life feel almost otherworldly compared to the lush bush earlier in the walk.
Hacket Hut: The destination itself is a classic New Zealand backcountry shelter. A standard six-bunk hut situated in a peaceful grassy clearing, it’s the perfect spot for a thermos of tea or a well-earned lunch. For many, this is the turnaround point, but for those on the Te Araroa Trail, it’s a vital stop before tackling the formidable Richmond Ranges towards Browning Hut or Starveall Hut.
To reach the trailhead, drive from Richmond towards Hope on SH6, then turn onto Aniseed Valley Road. Follow the road all the way to its end—it's a scenic drive that winds through farmland and forest.
The Hacket Track car park is well-signposted and offers plenty of space. There are toilet facilities available at the car park, which is always a bonus before heading into the bush. Ensure you lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight, as this is a somewhat remote location.
The Mount Richmond Forest Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the Hacket Track provides an excellent soundtrack for your tramp.
The most common companion you’ll find is the Pīwakawaka (Fantail). These friendly little birds love to follow hikers, flitting through the undergrowth to catch the insects stirred up by your boots. You are also very likely to hear the melodic, bell-like notes of the Korimako (Bellbird) and the distinctive "tui-tui" calls of the Tūī echoing through the canopy.
Keep an eye out high in the trees for the Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon). Their heavy wing-beats are often heard before they are seen, and they are frequently spotted feasting on berries in the native bush. If you are quiet and observant, you might also catch a glimpse of the Ngirungiru (Tomtit) or the Tauhou (Silvereye) darting through the foliage. The best time for bird watching is early morning when the "dawn chorus" is at its peak, but the Pīwakawaka will likely keep you company all day long.
The area surrounding the Hacket Track is steeped in both geological and cultural significance. The "Mineral Belt" (or Dun Mountain Ultramafics) is a rare geological formation that stretches through this region. The rocks are rich in magnesium and iron, which creates a soil chemistry that most plants find toxic. This results in the unique, stunted vegetation you see near the hut—a stark contrast to the lush greenery elsewhere.
Historically, this was a site of intense activity. In the 1850s and 60s, the hills were swarming with miners looking for copper and chromite. The Chromite Mine Track is a remnant of this era, marking a time when Nelson hoped to become a mining powerhouse.
Today, the area is a vital link in the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand’s long-distance walking path. When you walk the Hacket, you are walking a small piece of a journey that stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The track is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and ongoing efforts are made to maintain the path despite the challenging terrain.
After four hours of navigating slips and river crossings, you’ll likely be ready for some serious refueling. Head back towards Richmond (about a 20-25 minute drive) where several great spots await:
The Hacket Hut Track is a reminder that you don't have to go far from the city to find a real challenge. It’s a rugged, beautiful, and slightly wild piece of the Nelson Tasman region that will leave you with tired legs and a very happy heart.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica macrocephala
The male boasts striking black and white plumage, while the female is a more subdued brown.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
16.6km away
A local cafe in Richmond focusing on sustainable, organic, and locally sourced food and beverages, with a comfortable and relaxed setting.
16.8km away
A family-friendly restaurant and bar in Richmond, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh, seasonal, and local produce, plus a selection of local wines and beers.