Richardson Track
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
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Forecast point: Mt Oxford (1364m) · 12km 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.
Climb to the summit of Mt Richardson (1047 m) for great views to the Puketeraki Range and over Lees Valley.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The track starts at the Glentui picnic area. It is a moderate to steep climb. It goes first through tawhai forest and then through tussock grasslands and Dracophyllum scrub on the upper slopes of Mt Richardson.
From here it is possible to continue on Bypass Track to form a loop back to the Glentui picnic area, or down Blowhard Track to come out on Maori Reserve Road.
This is a good track for people with moderate fitness.
Getting there
Start this track at the end of Glentui Bush Road.
From Oxford, follow Ashley Gorge Road for 13 km to Glentui. Turn into Glentui Bush Road and follow this for 6 km to the end.
Know before you go
NZTopo50 map sheets: BW22 (Oxford), BW23 (Cust)
You will need to ford a small stream close to the beginning of the track when walking in a clockwise direction, as the bridge has been removed.
Wasp populations reach high numbers from January to March – wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream/tablets as a precaution.
Possum trapping is taking place here
Possum trapping using leg-hold traps is taking place in this area. Ensure your dog is on a leash and under control on this track to keep them safe.
Possum trapping is allowed by permit only. Leg-hold possum traps must be a minimum of 50 m from the track.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track