Mt Richmond routes (Alpine Route)

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Mt Richmond Alpine Route is a highlight reel of New Zealand’s "hidden" backcountry. While it doesn't get the fame of the Great Walks, its features are just as spectacular, if not more so for their isolation.

• The Summit of Mt Rintoul: At 1731m, this is the highest point on the route. The 360-degree panorama is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can look out across the Waimea Plains towards the marble mountains of Kahurangi National Park and the golden coast of Abel Tasman. Turn the other way, and you’ll see the rugged, sun-scorched hills of South Marlborough and the snow-capped giants of the Inland Kaikoura Ranges.
• The "Knife-Edge" Ridges: Negotiating the narrow ridges between Little Rintoul and the main peak provides a genuine alpine thrill. The sense of scale here is immense, and the geological formations—shattered rock and ancient greywacke—are a photographer's dream.
• Hut Bagging: The route features a fantastic string of classic DOC backcountry huts, including Starveall, Slaty, Old Man, Rintoul, and Tarn Huts. Each has its own character, often perched in dramatic locations with incredible sunset views.
• The Transition of Ecosystems: Watching the flora shift from lowland podocarp forest to silver beech, and finally to the hardy alpine herbs and tussocks of the tops, is a fascinating lesson in New Zealand botany.

Getting There

To find the trailhead, you’ll need to head to the Hacket Track car park on Aniseed Valley Road.

If you’re coming from Richmond, drive south on State Highway 6 for a few minutes. Turn left onto Aniseed Valley Road and follow it for approximately 11.5 km (about a 15-minute drive). The road is scenic and winds through rural landscape before reaching the forest park boundary. Look for the Department of Conservation (DOC) sign indicating the turnoff to a gravel driveway that leads to the car park.

There is ample parking available, and you’ll find toilets at the road-end—worth using before you shoulder your pack for the long haul! Since this is a point-to-point track, you will need to arrange a shuttle or a car drop-off at the other end (typically the Wairoa Valley or Goulter River area, depending on your specific itinerary).

Wildlife Spotting

While the high alpine environment can be harsh, it is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic avian residents.

In the lower forest sections around Hacket Creek, keep an ear out for the heavy wing-beats of the Kererū (New Zealand pigeon) and the melodic chiming of the Tūī and Bellbird. The cheeky Fantail (Pīwakawaka) will likely follow you along the lower sections of the track, darting through the air to catch the insects you disturb.

As you climb higher, the birdlife changes. You might be lucky enough to spot the Kākā, a large, forest-dwelling parrot known for its boisterous calls. If you are incredibly quiet and observant near the mountain streams, you might even catch a rare glimpse of the Whio (Blue Duck), a national treasure that lives in fast-flowing white water.

Up on the alpine tops, look for the New Zealand Pipit (Pihoihoi), which often flits among the tussocks. Unlike many other tracks, you won't find many Kea here, but the sheer isolation of the Richmonds means the birds you do see feel like your only companions in the wilderness.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: This route is strictly a Spring, Summer, and Autumn endeavour (November to April). During these months, the days are longer and the alpine tops are generally clear of snow.
• Winter Warning: In winter, this route becomes a different beast entirely. The exposed ridges are prone to heavy snow and lethal ice. Winter traverses require expert mountaineering skills, including the use of an ice axe and crampons. For most trampers, the route is best left alone from May to October.
• Timing: With an estimated 108 hours of total duration (including rest and overnight stays), most fit parties tackle this in 4 to 5 days. Start your days early—especially the leg between Old Man Hut and Mt Rintoul Hut—to ensure you aren't navigating the rocky ridges in fading light.
• Water Wisdom: The Richmond Range is notorious for its lack of water on the ridges. While the huts usually have tanks, the long stretches between them are often bone-dry. Carry at least 2-3 litres of water, especially during the heat of mid-summer.
• Gear: This is expert terrain. You need high-quality wet weather gear, thermal layers (even in summer, the tops can drop to freezing), and sturdy, broken-in leather or synthetic boots with good ankle support for the scree. A personal locator beacon (PLB) is non-negotiable here.
• Weather: The Richmonds are prone to sudden changes. North-west winds can buffet the ridges with incredible force, making movement dangerous. Always check the mountain forecast before leaving Hacket Hut.

Local & Regional Context

The Mount Richmond Forest Park holds a special place in the Nelson-Marlborough region. For Māori, these ranges were a source of pakohe (argillite), a hard stone used for making tools and weapons, which was traded across the country. The ruggedness of the terrain meant that only the most skilled travellers moved through these heights.

Geologically, the area is fascinating. The Richmond Range is part of the Alpine Fault system, and you’ll notice a distinct change in rock types as you move across the ridges. Near the Hacket road-end, you aren't far from the "Mineral Belt," a unique strip of ultramafic rock (like that found on nearby Dun Mountain) that creates a "moonscape" effect where very little vegetation can grow due to high metal concentrations in the soil.

Today, the Alpine Route is a badge of honour for Kiwi trampers. It represents the "old school" style of New Zealand tramping—rugged, unpolished, and intensely rewarding.

After the Walk

After 50+ kilometres and over 4500 metres of elevation gain, you will have earned a serious meal. Once you’ve completed your shuttle back to Richmond, there are a few local favourites where you can refuel:

• Eddyline Brewery & Pizzeria: Located in Richmond, this is the ultimate post-hike spot. They serve up incredible wood-fired pizzas and craft beers brewed right on-site. It’s a great place to sit back and recount your summit stories.
• The Grape Escape Café: If you finish earlier in the day, this café in the Old Saint James church grounds offers beautiful garden seating and hearty lunches. Their cakes are legendary—the perfect sugar hit after days of trail mix.
• Sprig + Fern Tavern (Hardy St or Milton St): A Nelson institution. If you’ve made it all the way back into Nelson city, grab a pint of their award-winning local ale and a bowl of hot chips. You’ve earned it!