The Mount Vernon Track is the serious climb in Wither Hills Farm Park — a 6.5 km route with around 370 m of elevation gain, leading to the Mt Vernon summit and lookout above central Blenheim. From the top you get the full Marlborough panorama: Richmond Range, the Wairau Valley, Cloudy Bay, and the vineyards stretching west. It’s a moderate-to-challenging walk that takes most people 2 to 2.5 hours and is one of the must-do hikes for visitors with the fitness for it.
Practical Information
| Location | Wither Hills Farm Park, southern boundary of Blenheim |
| Distance | ~6.5 km return (loop) |
| Time | 2–2.5 hours |
| Climb | ~370 m elevation gain (around 9.6% average gradient) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging — sustained climb, rocky and steep sections |
| Access | Redwood Street car park or Quail Stream car park |
| Facilities | Toilets and drinking fountains along the route |
| Dogs | Allowed on lead |
| Cost | Free |
| Risk | Exposed to wind and sun — high summer fire risk; check for closures |
About the Climb
Mt Vernon is the summit on the western side of the Wither Hills above Blenheim. The track works up through the lower farm paddocks before climbing the open ridges to the lookout. The gradient is sustained — most of the elevation is gained over a continuous uphill, with a few rockier sections that need careful footing. It is not technical, but it is real work, particularly in heat.
From the Mt Vernon Lookout, the view is the biggest reward in Wither Hills: north-west to the Richmond Range, west up the Wairau Valley, north out across Cloudy Bay and the Wairau Plains, and back down over central Blenheim. On a clear day you can see across to the foothills of Mt Riley and beyond.
The standard route is a loop that combines several of the upper Wither Hills tracks — you don’t go up and back the same way. The Marlborough District Council page details the current preferred loop, with the Rotary Lookout often included as a partway viewpoint and rest stop.
Conditions and Risks
Wither Hills is dry, open hillside — there is almost no shade above the lower farm tracks. Summer can be brutal: temperatures on the exposed ridges in January and February frequently exceed comfort levels for sustained uphill walking. Strong nor’westers can make the upper sections unpleasant or genuinely difficult on windy days. Plan for early morning or evening starts in summer.
Fire risk is the council’s most significant operational concern during dry summer periods. Parts of the park are closed during extreme fire conditions — always check the council page or signage at the access points before setting out on a hot, dry, windy day.
Carry water — there are some drinking fountains at the lower entry points but nothing higher on the track. Sturdy footwear is recommended; sections of the descent are loose underfoot.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough District Council — Wither Hills Farm Park Mt Vernon Loop — the official source for the current Mt Vernon loop route, all access points, closures, and fire risk advisories. Check before you walk.
AllTrails — Mount Vernon Track — GPS data, elevation profile, photos and 200+ recent user reviews with current condition notes. Useful for setting expectations on the climb.
Tussock Rocks — Wither Hills — first-person hiker’s account of the wider Wither Hills tracks including Mt Vernon, with photos and practical observations from someone who’s walked it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Mount Vernon Track?
Moderate to challenging. Sustained climb of around 370 m over 6.5 km. Not technical, but real fitness work — particularly in heat.
How long does it take to walk to Mt Vernon Lookout?
Most walkers complete the full loop in 2 to 2.5 hours.
What can you see from the Mt Vernon Lookout?
The Richmond Range to the north-west, the Wairau Valley, Cloudy Bay, central Blenheim, and the surrounding vineyards.
Where do you park for the Mount Vernon Track?
The Redwood Street car park or the Quail Stream car park — both are standard starting points.
Is there shade on the Mount Vernon Track?
Very little — once you’re above the lower farm tracks, the hillsides are open and exposed. Sun and wind are constant.
Is the Mount Vernon Track safe in summer?
Walk early or late and carry plenty of water. The council closes the park during extreme fire conditions — always check before driving out on hot, dry, windy days.
Are there toilets and water on the track?
Toilets and drinking fountains are at the lower entry points. Nothing higher on the track — carry water with you.
For more Blenheim walks across all difficulty levels, see the full guide to Blenheim walking tracks. A shorter Wither Hills option with a real viewpoint payoff is the Rotary Lookout Track — 20 minutes up to a sheltered picnic spot.
