Last updated November 2026
The Chalice–Goulter Track follows the Goulter River from Lake Chalice in Mount Richmond Forest Park, linking three DOC huts on the way down the valley. It starts from the Staircase Road car park, reached from the Marlborough side near Renwick, about 34 km from Nelson in a straight line.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track and gives 2–3 days. The track ends at a 4WD road end below Lower Goulter Hut, and DOC says to check the status of the Goulter Road exit before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Chalice–Goulter Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Staircase Road, via Northbank Road and Top Valley Road
- Finish
- Goulter 4WD road end below Lower Goulter Hut (Goulter Road open to walkers and bikers only)
- Distance from the city
- About 34 km from Nelson (straight line)
- Walking time
- 2–3 days
- Track length
- About 22 km from Staircase Road to the 4WD road end (DOC’s section distances)
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Huts
- Lake Chalice Hut, Mid Goulter Hut and Lower Goulter Hut (DOC huts)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Chalice–Goulter Track
DOC sets the track out in stages. From the Staircase Road car park it is 1 hour and 2.6 km down to Lake Chalice Hut, then another hour and 2.6 km along the lake to its western end.
From the western end of Lake Chalice, the track descends past the springs where the Goulter River begins. Once in the valley proper it follows the true left of the river all the way to Mid Goulter Hut, a 4-hour, 6.7 km stage.
Below Mid Goulter Hut the valley widens into one of the few areas of the forest park with extensive river flats. DOC gives this stage 3 hours and 8 km to Lower Goulter Hut.
If the river is high, take the all-weather track along the true left bank, which crosses several side streams before climbing over a bluffy outcrop and dropping to the hut. If the river is low, you can travel in the riverbed.
From Lower Goulter Hut it is 45 minutes and 2 km to the 4WD road end, which connects with a 2WD road end at Tiphead Stream, 2 hr 45 min and 12 km from the hut.
Huts
Lake Chalice Hut, Mid Goulter Hut and Lower Goulter Hut are all standard 8-bunk DOC huts with heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water from the stream.
When we checked on 18 October 2026 all three were first come, first served, but DOC had an alert for the Mount Richmond Forest Park area saying each of these huts “will open for bookings on 3 November 2026 for stays from 3 November onwards”.
DOC’s hut pages list fees of $15 per adult per night and $7.50 per youth (5–17 years), with children 0–4 free.
Getting There and the Goulter Road Exit
To start, turn off State Highway 6 onto Northbank Road 5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge. 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.
Goulter Road is open to walkers and bikers only and is not suitable for vehicles. Vehicles can park before Patriarch Station or about 2 km further on, just before Patriarch Stream. DOC notes that as of July 2023 the road was shut from Patriarch Station due to multiple washouts, so check its status if you plan to finish this way.
Rivers and Safety
Unbridged streams and rivers can become impassable in flood, so be ready to wait for them to drop. If in doubt, stay out. Bad weather can occur at any time, water may need treating, and 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.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Chalice–Goulter Track: 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 Chalice–Goulter Track?
DOC gives 2–3 days. DOC’s stage distances add up to about 22 km from Staircase Road to the 4WD road end.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, with unbridged river and stream crossings.
Which huts are on the track?
Lake Chalice Hut, Mid Goulter Hut and Lower Goulter Hut, all DOC huts. They were first come, first served when we checked on 18 October 2026, but DOC’s alerts said all three open for bookings on 3 November 2026 for stays from that date.
Can I drive out via Goulter Road?
No. Goulter Road is open to walkers and bikers only, and DOC notes that as of July 2023 washouts had shut it from Patriarch Station. Check its status first.
Can I walk in the riverbed?
Below Mid Goulter Hut, DOC says riverbed travel is possible when the river is low. Use the all-weather track if it is high.
Can I take my dog?
Only with a DOC permit.
Where does it start?
At the Staircase Road car park, reached via Northbank Road and Top Valley Road from State Highway 6 near Renwick.
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.