Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
Mt Starveall, Richmond Forest Park
This week is a place you can take your doggo! Pick up a permit from your local DOC office.
Distance: 11.5km to Starveall Hut
Duration: A 3-5 hour hike up to hut (1180m)and another 45mins- 1 hour to the top of Mount Starveall (1528m)
Parking: Park up at the Hackett car park, Aniseed Valley Road, Hope 7081
Tucked away at the bushline at 1200m, the hut sleeps 6 and has a lovely cosy fire. Camping spots are also available around the hut. Bookings not required but be prepared with a tent in busier seasons and weekends. This is an out and back and a popular spot in summer with it being on the Te Araroa - New Zealand's Trail
The hike is steep but totally achievable, it has quite a few river crossings so make sure you check the river levels. Beautiful forest all the way up and lots of views once your past a few hours.
A good plan is to leave early enough to get up to the top of Mount Starveall for sunset or leave it till the morning and get up there for sunrise. We did sunrise and it was a short walk up and really spectacular 360 views out west to the inland Kaikōura Ranges.
Richmond ranges are just at our back door and well worth it!
