Mt Richmond Alpine Heli Hike

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The Mount Richmond Forest Park is a mountainous, mainly forest clad park sitting between the Nelson and Marlborough regions. While it is literally on Nelsons back doorstep, it is relatively undiscovered by visitors, and infrequently visited by generally only experienced trampers due to its rugged nature and challenging access to its interior.

This is a two to three hour heli hike which we access on a relatively short (9 minute) helicopter flight from Nelson airport.

The hike, after we leave the helicopter on the western ridge of Mount Richmond, begins with a short ascent to the peak, from which stunning 360^o views can be seen south to Kaikoura, north to Wellington and D’Urville Island, and west to the Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks.

Descending from Mount Richmond, we follow a spectacular irregular ridge with a sheer drop on one side, and gentle alpine tussock grasslands on the other. This is an “away from it all” experience, less than 10 minutes from Nelson.


Physical Expectations
While a relatively high alpine hike at 1760 metres, Mount Richmond is not a technical trip. It does demand reasonable agility, as there is no track, and the route is through open tussock and over loose rock and boulder areas.

What you’ll need
This is a trip into an exposed alpine area, so suitable warm clothing is necessary. Light shoes or running shoes are unsuitable for this trip. We provide daypacks, walking poles and leg protecting gaiters.
We also provide delicious food and hot drinks appropriate to the time of day and your preference. If you have special food preferences please let us know prior to the trip. We will collect you from your accommodation.

Trip Size
2 – 4 people. Larger groups by arrangement.