Last updated November 2026
The Mt Sunday/Mt Riley Track is a circuit in Mount Richmond Forest Park, about 24 km from Blenheim, that climbs steep bush ridges over two small open summits. DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and gives it as a 15 km loop taking about 8 hours.
The track starts from the car park on Davies Road, reached via Onamalutu Road, and DOC recommends a 4WD for the drive in. On the way you pass Mt Sunday Bivvy, a two-bunk DOC bivvy just below the Mt Sunday summit.
DOC notes that forestry operations can close roads into the forest park, so check DOC for the current track and road status before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mt Sunday/Mt Riley Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park on Davies Road (via Northbank, Onamalutu and Briggs roads); 4WD recommended
- Distance from the city
- About 24 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 8 hr return
- Track length
- 15 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only (hunting)
- Huts
- Mt Sunday Bivvy (DOC bivvy, 2 bunks)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Mt Sunday/Mt Riley Track
This is a loop over two peaks in Mount Richmond Forest Park. Mt Sunday and Mt Riley both stand a little over 1,300 m, and the track reaches them by climbing steep ridges through bush before breaking out onto small open tops.
Once you are up high, DOC says the views stretch over the Kaituna Valley and the Wairau Plains. The open sections are exposed, though, and the tops can bring snow, wind and fog, so this is a walk for people with the skills to tramp in those conditions.
Mt Sunday Bivvy sits just below the summit of Mt Sunday on the section of track towards Mt Riley. It makes a handy shelter or a place to break the trip into an overnight for those who want to take it slower.
With 8 hours of steep climbing and exposed tops, the circuit suits fit, experienced trampers rather than casual walkers. DOC asks everyone to make sure they have enough experience for the trip, fill in hut books and let someone know their intentions.
Mt Sunday Bivvy
Mt Sunday Bivvy is a DOC bivvy in the basic/bivvies category. DOC lists two bunk beds with mattresses, a non-flush toilet and tap water that is not treated, so boil it before use. Fill in the hut book when you pass through.
Getting There
DOC’s directions start 5 km north of Renwick: just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off State Highway 6 onto Northbank Road. Follow it for 5 km, then turn into Onamalutu Road. After 7 km turn into Briggs Road, then into Davies Road, and follow it to the car park. DOC recommends a 4WD.
Forestry operations often change the status of the access roads in Mount Richmond Forest Park, and severe weather has damaged many Marlborough roads. Check DOC’s Mount Richmond Forest Park access page and the Marlborough District Council road updates before you set off.
Track Conditions and Safety
Weather and the tops
Snow, wind and fog are hazards on the open tops, and DOC says you need the skills to tramp in those conditions. Bad weather can arrive at any time, so carry warm, waterproof clothing and extra food, and check the Mount Richmond forecast before you go.
Water and rivers
Carry water in dry conditions. There is a river or creek at the bottom, but DOC says water becomes scarce higher up, especially in summer, and water in the park may need to be boiled, filtered or treated.
Unbridged streams and rivers can become impassable in flood; if they are up, wait for the water to drop or turn back. If in doubt, stay out.
Wasps
Wasps are common from December to April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to stings.
Use Plan My Walk to prepare, tell someone your plans, and take a distress beacon.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mt Sunday/Mt Riley Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Mount Richmond Forest Park: the wider forest park, its huts and tracks, and access road status.
Plan My Walk: a free planning tool for weather, gear lists and sharing your intentions before a tramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mt Sunday/Mt Riley Track take?
DOC allows 8 hours for the 15 km loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. It climbs steep bush ridges and crosses exposed tops where snow, wind and fog are hazards.
Is the track open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts, but forestry operations can close the access roads. Check DOC for the current status before you go.
Where does the track start?
At the car park on Davies Road, reached via Northbank, Onamalutu and Briggs roads from State Highway 6 near Renwick. DOC recommends a 4WD.
Is there a hut on the track?
Yes. Mt Sunday Bivvy is a two-bunk DOC bivvy just below the summit of Mt Sunday, with untreated tap water that needs boiling.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit (for hunting). Contact the nearest DOC office to get one.
Do I need to carry water?
Yes, in dry conditions. DOC says water is scarce higher up, especially in summer, and park water should be boiled, filtered or treated.
What will I see from the tops?
DOC says the small open tops give views over the Kaituna Valley and the Wairau Plains.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.