Lake Chalice Hut tracks
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
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Forecast point: Mt Richmond (1760m) · 10.8km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Explore the area around Lake Chalice, the only lake in Mount Richmond Forest Park - the short, easy walk to the hut is ideal for an overnight tramp with children.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Lake Chalice Track
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 2.6 km
From the car park a benched tramping track leads down to Lake Chalice Hut near the eastern end of the lake. Allow a little more time for the return journey.
Chalice Loop Track
Time: 2 hr 30 min return
Distance: 6.5 km
Clockwise from Lake Chalice Hut the track follows the southern shore of the lake for approximately an hour to a sign posted junction. Here it turns right and crosses the old landslide to the northern side of the lake and then skirts around some bluffy areas before sidling to the eastern end of the lake, where two tributaries enter close together. If the lake level is low walk around the shore to Lake Chalice Hut. If not, stay on the track, crossing the tributaries and emerging opposite Lake Chalice Hut.
Getting there
5 km north Renwick (just over the Wairau River bridge) turn off SH6 onto Northbank Road. Follow this for 33 km then turn into Top Valley Road. Continue for 6 km then turn into Staircase Road and follow this for 18 km to the car park.
A 4WD is recommended.
Goulter Road is open to walkers and bikers only
This road is not suitable for vehicles.
Vehicles can park either before Patriarch Station at the start of the public easement, or approximately 2 km further along Goulter Road just prior to crossing Patriarch Stream.
It is 6 km from Patriarch Station or 4 km from the Patriarch Stream to the Mount Richmond Forest Park boundary. There is a locked gate just past Patriarch Stream.
Check the status of this road if you plan to use this exit. As of July 2023, the road was shut from Patriarch Station due to multiple washouts.
Know before you go
Safety: Bad weather can occur at any time, so be prepared with warm and waterproof clothing and extra food. Make sure you have enough experience for your trip. Always fill in hut books and ensure someone knows your intentions.
Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Drinking water: The purity of drinking water in Mount Richmond Forest Park can't be guaranteed. If you doubt the quality of any water source you should boil, filter or chemically treat it.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track