Last updated November 2026
The Mt Fishtail Route climbs from the end of Pine Valley Road in Mount Richmond Forest Park to Fishtail Hut, then on to the summit of Mt Fishtail (1643 m). The road end is reached from the Marlborough side near Renwick, about 30 km from Nelson in a straight line.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an expert route, 9 km and 5 hr 40 min to the hut, with a further hour to the summit. It is for experienced trampers with the skills for the open tops. 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 Fishtail Route on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Pine Valley Road, off Northbank Road
- Distance from the city
- About 30 km from Nelson (straight line)
- Walking time
- 5 hr 40 min to Fishtail Hut; 1 hr more to the summit
- Track length
- 9 km to the hut
- Grade
- Expert route
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only
- Huts
- Fishtail 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.
- 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 Fishtail Route
From the road end, the Pine Valley Track leads past Mill Flat Campsite to the site of the old Pine Valley Hut, about 40 minutes and 2 km.
From the old hut site the route heads up the ridge above. DOC gives this section 5 hours for 7 km, a long, sustained climb that brings you out at Fishtail Hut.
From the hut, the summit of Mt Fishtail is about another hour. The summit is 1643 m, and DOC warns that snow, wind and fog are hazards of the open tops.
With 5 hr 40 min to the hut and another hour to the summit, Fishtail Hut is a natural overnight stop.
Fishtail Hut and Mill Flat Campsite
Fishtail Hut is a standard DOC hut with 4 bunk beds, 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).
Mill Flat Campsite, near the start, is a basic DOC campsite with 20 non-powered tent sites, first come, first served.
Track Conditions and Safety
Snow, wind and fog are hazards of the open tops, and DOC says you need the skill to tramp in those conditions. Bad weather can occur at any time, so carry warm, waterproof clothing and extra food.
Unbridged streams and rivers can become impassable in flood. If in doubt, stay out. Treat any water you drink, and carry antihistamine from December to April if you react to wasp stings.
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 25 km, then turn into Pine Valley Road and follow it to the end. 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 Fishtail 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 Mt Fishtail Route take?
DOC gives 5 hr 40 min to Fishtail Hut (9 km), then about 1 hour from the hut to the summit.
How high is Mt Fishtail?
DOC gives the summit as 1643 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an expert route. You need skills for snow, wind and fog on the open tops.
Do I need to book Fishtail Hut?
Not when we checked on 18 October 2026: it was a 4-bunk DOC hut, 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.
Where does it start?
At the end of Pine Valley Road, which leaves Northbank Road 25 km from State Highway 6.
Is there camping near the start?
Yes. Mill Flat Campsite is on the Pine Valley Track near the start.
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.