Last updated October 2026
The Lake Chalice Hut tracks explore the area around Lake Chalice, the only lake in Mount Richmond Forest Park, about 33 km from Nelson in a straight line but reached from the Marlborough side near Renwick.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) says the short walk down to the hut is ideal for an overnight tramp with children. It takes about 1 hour and covers 2.6 km, and a 2 hr 30 min, 6.5 km loop then circles the lake from the hut.
DOC grades the tracks as advanced tramping track. Forestry operations can close the roads into the forest park, so check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Lake Chalice Hut tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Staircase Road, via Northbank Road and Top Valley Road
- Distance from the city
- About 33 km from Nelson (straight line)
- Walking time
- 1 hr to the hut; 2 hr 30 min loop from the hut
- Track length
- 2.6 km to the hut; 6.5 km loop from the hut
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Huts
- Lake Chalice Hut (DOC hut; first come, first served when checked on 18 October 2026, but DOC’s alert says it opens for bookings on 3 November 2026 for stays from that date)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Lake Chalice Hut Tracks
There are two parts to the walking here. The Lake Chalice Track runs from the car park down a benched tramping track to Lake Chalice Hut, near the eastern end of the lake. DOC gives it 1 hour and 2.6 km, and suggests allowing a little more time for the climb back out.
From the hut, the Chalice Loop Track circles the lake. Heading clockwise, it follows the southern shore for about an hour to a signposted junction, then turns right across an old landslide to the northern side of the lake.
The northern side skirts some bluffy areas before sidling around to the eastern end, where two tributaries flow in close together. If the lake is low you can walk around the shore to the hut. If not, stay on the track, cross the tributaries and come out opposite the hut.
Because the walk in is short, Lake Chalice is a good first overnight trip for families, with the 2 hr 30 min loop to fill the next day.
Lake Chalice Hut
Lake Chalice Hut is a standard DOC hut with 8 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from the stream.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, bookings were not required and it was first come, first served, but DOC had an alert for the Mount Richmond Forest Park area saying the hut “will open for bookings on 3 November 2026 for stays from 3 November onwards”.
DOC’s hut page lists fees of $15 per adult per night and $7.50 per youth (5–17 years), with children 0–4 free.
Getting There
DOC’s directions: 5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off State Highway 6 onto Northbank Road. Follow it for 33 km, turn into Top Valley Road for 6 km, then turn into Staircase Road and follow it for 18 km to the car park. A 4WD is recommended.
DOC also warns that severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough, so check the Marlborough District Council road updates before you travel.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s page said Goulter Road, an alternative exit, is open to walkers and bikers only. DOC notes that as of July 2023 it was shut from Patriarch Station due to multiple washouts, so check its status if you plan to use it.
Track Conditions and Safety
Bad weather can occur at any time, so carry warm and waterproof clothing and extra food. Wasps are common from December until April. DOC cannot guarantee drinking water in the forest park, so boil, filter or treat it. Fill in hut books, check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Lake Chalice Hut tracks: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Mount Richmond Forest Park access: check whether the roads into the forest park are open.
Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Lake Chalice Hut?
DOC gives 1 hour for the 2.6 km walk from the car park to the hut. Allow a little more time for the return.
Can I walk around Lake Chalice?
Yes. The Chalice Loop Track is 6.5 km and about 2 hr 30 min from the hut.
Is it suitable for children?
DOC says the short walk to the hut is ideal for an overnight tramp with children. The tracks are graded advanced tramping track.
Do I need to book Lake Chalice Hut?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026, when it was first come, first served. But DOC had an alert saying the hut “will open for bookings on 3 November 2026 for stays from 3 November onwards”, so check DOC before you go.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit. Contact the closest DOC office to get one.
Do I need a 4WD?
DOC recommends a 4WD for the road to the car park.
Are the access roads always open?
No. Forestry operations can close roads into Mount Richmond Forest Park. Check DOC before you go.
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