Mount Richmond Forest Park covers the northern end of the Southern Alps and provides a geologically unique panoramic backdrop
for the top of the South Island. It is home to numerous multiday tramping trips as well as Te Araroa Trail, which runs the length of the park.
Isolation, rough terrain and variable weather makes this one of the toughest sections of Te Araroa to undertake. Like
the rest of the Southern Alps, there are many hazards to consider, but experienced and well-prepared trampers will be greatly rewarded
on the Alpine Route.
This video covers only the Alpine Route section of the Richmond Ranges, which starts at Hacket Hut and ends 4-5 days later at Mid Wairoa Hut.
It should only be attempted by highly skilled and experienced trampers.
There are multiple tracks that can bring you to the start of the Alpine Route. At a minimum, it will take at least a day to reach.
Te Araroa walkers will have tramped for a few days to reach this point. Mid Wairoa Hut marks the end of the Alpine Route, but civilisation is still at least a day
of tramping away. Te Araroa walkers should keep in mind that this is only one part of a massive section through the Richmond Ranges
and there is still a further 56 kilometres of walking until you reach St Arnaud.
The best time of year to attempt this route is from November through April. It is possible to attempt outside of this period, but ice, snow and fog
are more likely to be present, so advanced winter tramping equipment and experience will be required.
The average daily summer temperature sits around 6-13 degrees, although much hotter days are common. You can also expect approximately 116 days
of rain per year. It's important to remember that most of your time will be spent in an alpine environment, which means there's a good chance you'll experience
heavy rain, strong winds, snow and freezing temperatures, even in the height of summer.
Prepare for all conditions by taking warm and waterproof clothing as well as good pair of tramping boots. You'll be away from civilisation
for multiple days and your trip could easily be extended due to weather, injury or just general exhaustion. It's best to pack a distress beacon
just in case. Water sources are scarce and the hut tanks can run empty during summer, take at least three litres or water carrying capacity and pack some
water treatment options as well. The huts are small and fill up fast, so take a tent which can also be used as an emergency shelter.
Also pack enough food for an extra day or two.
As with all walks and tramps in New Zealand, make sure you leave your intentions with a trusted contact. And inform them when you've finished your tramp.
You can do this on our Plan My Walk app, it take the guesswork out of trip planning by bringing together the information you need. It's packed with heaps of useful
features to help you create a trip plan to share with others. Download the app or check out planmywalk.nz
There is no set itinerary for the Alpine Route, and it can be walked in either direction. There are seven huts located on the track but it will be your schedule, pace and the weather
that determines which huts you sleep in. Be flexible in your planning and prepare for delays. For the purposes of this video, we will be showing a southbound trip
starting at Hacket Hut. Transport will need to be organised for both your entry and exit points, as they are still quite remote. The Hacket Road End
is the last exit point to civilisation for some time. Te Araroa walkers should make sure that they're well supplied for at least another 7-9 days before continuing.
Your next resupply point may not be until St Arnaud. The track from Hacket Hut climbs 900 metres over 6 kilometres to get to Starveall Hut.
There are numerous creek crossing along the way which could be fatal when water levels rise. Make an informed decision at Hacket Hut with your knowledge of the weather
forecast and don't be venture any further if there has been heavy or consistent rainfall. Starveall Hut sits on the bushline and takes about 4 hrs of climbing to reach.
Have a break, refill your water and look around to see if any bad weather is coming your way. It's only 2.5 hrs to Slaty Hut from here but the track
climbs up and over Mt Starveall, which leaves you exposed to the elements. A night at Starveall Hut may be the better option if weather conditions aren't ideal.
From Mt Starveall, the track descends back into the bush and follows the ridgeline all the way to Slaty Hut. See how you're tracking in your day and what the
weather is doing. Slaty Hut is a special place to spend the night. If it is getting late, it may be best to call it a day here.
Old Man Hut is 10 kilometres and approximately 5 hours of further walking. Most of this will be spent above the bushline
where you're exposed to everything the weather can throw at you. If the weather is terrible, consider staying longer
at Slaty Hut. The ridgeline can be narrow and is frequently hit with high winds and fog, especially after
Ada Flat where the track has a steep drop-off on both sides. Low visibility makes it hard to navigate this section
and you can easily follow a false track. Take your time and keep to the marked poles to stay on the right path.
The ridgeline that comes after the Old Man summit doesn't look like much on paper but the track becomes
even more narrow and some scrambling will be required. Take your time and choose your steps carefully.
This is not a fun spot to be in during high winds or rain. Old Man Hut is a beautiful spot accessed from a side track
off the main route. It's a steep 200 metre drop in elevation to get there. But this is well worth it if you're planning on spending
the night or if you're low on water. Use the track junction to the hut as a decision-making point. Rintoul Hut is at least another 5 hrs
from here and this will be the hardest section of the Alpine Route as there are two mountains standing in your way.
Look at the weather, how much time you have left in the day and how you and your group are doing. The
Rintoul Mountains should not be rushed, attempted in bad weather or if you are low on energy. It might be
better to rest up at Old Man Hut and get an early start the next morning. Keep in mind that Old Man Hut will be your last
source of water for some time. The next section starts with a 350 metre climb up the side of Little Rintoul. This
will be a 550 metre climb if you are starting from Old Man Hut. Assess the weather again when you reach the bushline. High winds and low
visibility can be a serious hazard from this point forward and the track is mostly made up of unstable rock. The
summit of Little Rintoul can offer some impressive views on a fine day, but be extra cautious as you follow the track
past the summit, it gets quite narrow with a steep dropoff on the southern side. The track quickly descends 250 metres
onto a saddle that connects the two mountains. This descent is steep and the loose rock makes it easy to fall over.
The saddle also has moments that require a bit of scrambling over steep dropoffs. Just take your time through this
whole section and be sure footed with every step. Snow and ice may be present here during the shoulder months, so it's best
not to attempt the Rintouls unless you have the correct winter tramping skills and equipment.
The fun isn't over though, you now have a 300 metre climb up to the summit of Mt Rintoul. This can be punishing on a hot day
but the views of Nelson at the top are well worth it. Low visibility can be a problem up here, but following the track marker poles
will lead you the right way. The descent down from the mountain is one big scree slope that will bring you very quickly
into the bushline. Gaiters and boots are well worth their weight in gold here. Just take your time and enjoy the ride
down the mountain. Mt Rintoul Hut sits 200 metres below the bushline and will be a very welcome sight. Have a break and
use the hut as a decision-making point. Tarn Hut is another 8 kilometres or 4.5 hours away. Assess the
weather and how your group is doing and then make an informed decision to continue on or stay the night at Mt Rintoul Hut.
The next section of track follows the ridgeline and is mostly under the cover of bush. There is a small section
that brings you out onto the tops again as you walk around the summit of Purple Top. In poor visibility, you'll need to keep
a careful eye on the track markers. If it's clear, this is a good opportunity to have a peek at what weather may be coming.
You'll then descend into the bushline again for the rest of the day.
The aptly named Tarn Hut is located slightly off track. You just need to follow the marked signs if you need to stop off
there for the night or refill your water.
The next stop is Mid Wairoa Hut, which is about 6.5 kilometres or 4 hours away.
There are two ways to go from this point, if you head north the track will take you to the end of the Alpine Route
and you will exit at the Wairoa Gorge Mountain Bike Park. There will be a few creek crossings to perform and these
can be impassable in poor weather. So be prepared to wait for water levels to drop if there is significant rain.
The other option is to head south towards the Red Hills. This is the continuation of Te Araroa Trail. From Mid Wairoa
Hut to St Arnaud you can expect similar challenges and conditions to what you'll find on the Alpine Route. With the
added challenge of larger and more serious river crossings. These have caused multiple search and rescues and
fatalities in the past, so they aren't to be taken lightly. You'll need to be prepared with river crossing skills and extra supplies to wait things
out should you get stranded due to high river flow.
Chances are you'll have an extended period without an updated weather forecast no matter what direction you're travelling so
be prepared for anything and expect tired but well-tested legs at the end.
The Alpine Route is no ordinary tramp, and there are lots of things to consider before you go and while you're on the track.
Be adequately prepared by: Aiming to tramp between November and April.
Expect multiple creek and river crossings, avoid crossing in heavy rain and prepare to wait it out.
Pack your own tent, the huts are small and fill up quick and it can serve as an emergency shelter.
Be prepared for long days, gruelling climbs, delays = and limited water. This is far from a beginner tramp.
Take a distress beacon and leave your intentions in the hut books along the way.
If you plan for the worst, then you can safely enjoy the best of the Richmond Ranges.