Last updated November 2026
The Quartz Creek/Mount Royal Route climbs from Quartz Creek Flat in Mount Richmond Forest Park to the summit of Mount Royal (1366 m), passing the old Sutherland Mine battery site on the way. The start is reached from the Marlborough side near Renwick, about 32 km from Nelson in a straight line.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an expert route, 9.5 km and 8 hours return. Flood damage means the first 3.7 km is a mix of old 4WD road and creek bed, so expect wet feet. There is no water on the way up, and no markers above the bushline.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Quartz Creek/Mount Royal Route on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Quartz Creek Flat, at the end of Bartletts Road off Fabians Valley Road
- Distance from the city
- About 32 km from Nelson (straight line)
- Walking time
- 8 hr return
- Track length
- 9.5 km return
- Grade
- Expert route
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Water
- None on the way up
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Quartz Creek/Mount Royal Route
The route follows Quartz Creek and passes the Sutherland Mine battery site. DOC says extensive flood damage means the first 3.7 km is partly old 4WD road and partly creek bed, with orange markers at the crossing points.
You will get your feet wet, and DOC suggests wearing sneakers until the “Mt Royal Summit-3 hrs” sign, then changing into dry socks and boots.
From the sign, the track climbs steeply through beech forest to about 1100 m. It then turns towards Mt Royal and follows a saddle through mature beech.
Near the bushline, at about 1260 m, there is a clearing suitable for camping. From there it is a final short scramble up alpine scree to the top. There are no markers above the bushline.
You can return the way you came or continue to the Wakamarina road end. From the bushline on the northern side, another marked route descends 4.6 km to Devils Creek Hut.
Devils Creek Hut
Devils Creek Hut is a standard DOC hut with 6 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and tap water that is not treated (boil before use).
When we checked on 18 October 2026 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).
Track Conditions and Safety
This is an expert route. Snow, wind and fog are hazards of the open tops, and DOC says you need the skill to tramp in those conditions. Carry all the water you need, since there is none on the way up. Unbridged streams can become impassable in flood. If in doubt, stay out. Wasps are common from December until April.
Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, fill in hut books, and tell someone your plans.
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 20 km, turn into Fabians Valley Road, then into Bartletts Road, and follow it for 5 km to Quartz Creek Flat. 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. DOC notes too that forestry operations in the area can close roads into Mount Richmond Forest Park.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Quartz Creek/Mount Royal Route: 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 does the climb to Mount Royal take?
DOC gives 8 hours return for the 9.5 km route.
How high is Mount Royal?
DOC gives the summit as 1366 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an expert route. It climbs steeply in places, ends with a scree scramble, and has no markers above the bushline.
Will I get wet feet?
Yes. The first 3.7 km is partly in the creek bed after flood damage. DOC suggests sneakers until the “Mt Royal Summit-3 hrs” sign.
Is there water on the route?
DOC says there is no water on the way up to Mt Royal, so carry what you need.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit.
Is there a hut nearby?
Devils Creek Hut is 4.6 km down a marked route on the northern side of the bushline.
Where does it start?
At Quartz Creek Flat, 5 km along Bartletts Road off Fabians Valley Road.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.