Last updated November 2026
The Mt Patriarch Route climbs from the Chalice car park in Mount Richmond Forest Park to the summit of Mt Patriarch (1,656 m). The car park is at the end of Staircase Road, reached from the Marlborough side near Renwick, about 36 km from Nelson in a straight line.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an expert route, 5 to 6 hours one way and 14 km return via the same track. The first 7 km follows a steep 4WD road that you can also mountain bike, rated Grade 3. Forestry operations can close 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 Mt Patriarch Route on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Chalice car park, at the end of Staircase Road
- Distance from the city
- About 36 km from Nelson (straight line)
- Walking time
- 5–6 hr one way
- Track length
- 14 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Expert route
- Mountain biking
- Grade 3 (intermediate), about 3 hr return
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- 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 Mt Patriarch Route
The route has two very different halves. First, a 4WD road climbs steeply from the Chalice car park for 7 km. DOC says it takes about three hours to walk, and it passes Planters Lookout, which has picnic areas and great views.
At the end of the 4WD section, a marked route leads on to the summit in about 2 hours. It works along a series of steep, rocky ridges with the occasional sidle, and DOC says it is not recommended for inexperienced or unfit trampers.
DOC says you can walk or mountain bike up Mt Patriarch, and rates the ride Grade 3, about 3 hours return.
The return is the way you came. With the long climb and exposed ridges, start early and turn back if the weather closes in.
Track Conditions and Safety
Bad weather can occur at any time, so carry warm and waterproof clothing and extra food. Water becomes scarce further up, especially in summer, so carry water in dry conditions and treat any you collect. Wasps are common from December until April. Check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, 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 33 km, turn into Top Valley Road for 6 km, then follow Staircase Road 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.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mt Patriarch 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 it take to climb Mt Patriarch?
DOC gives 5 to 6 hours one way, and 14 km return via the same track.
How high is Mt Patriarch?
DOC gives the summit as 1,656 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an expert route. The summit section crosses steep rocky ridges and is not recommended for inexperienced or unfit trampers.
Can I mountain bike it?
Yes. DOC rates mountain biking on the route Grade 3, about 3 hours return.
Is there a lookout on the way?
Yes. Planters Lookout on the 4WD road has picnic areas and great views.
Is there water on the route?
DOC says water becomes scarce further up, especially in summer, so carry your own.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit.
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.