Last updated November 2026
The Mount Robertson tracks are a pair of DOC tracks off Port Underwood Road, about 17 km from Blenheim: a shared-use loop through regenerating and mature forest, and a summit route up to Mt Robertson/Tokomaru. DOC grades them as an advanced tramping track and allows 8–12 hours return.
The Mount Robertson Loop Track is 7.1 km and takes 8–9 hours, and the summit route adds 6.4 km and about 4 hours return from the junction. Mountain bikers use the loop too, so expect riders on the track. Check DOC and the latest Marlborough road updates before you go, and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mount Robertson tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Either of two signposted access points on Port Underwood Road
- Distance from the city
- About 17 km from Blenheim
- Walking time
- 8–12 hr return (loop 8–9 hr; summit route 4 hr return from the loop junction)
- Track length
- Loop 7.1 km; summit route 6.4 km return
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track (DOC grade); mountain biking grade 3/Intermediate to 4/Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Shared-use tramping and mountain bike track
- 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 Mount Robertson Tracks
Mt Robertson, known as Tokomaru, rises to 1,036 m and gives its name to the scenic reserve around it. DOC lists the tracks under its Blenheim area, and both are reached from Port Underwood Road.
The loop is the main track. It climbs through regenerating and mature forest and can be started from either of the two access points on Port Underwood Road.
DOC describes it as narrow and technical in places, which matters whether you are on foot or on a bike. Most mountain bikers ride it anti-clockwise, so walkers going the other way will meet riders coming towards them.
At about 700 m on the loop there is a junction where the Mount Robertson Summit Route begins. From there the route follows an obvious ridge through beech forest to the top, which DOC says takes about two hours. Views from the tracks take in Marlborough and, from the loop, Rārangi on the coast.
This is a big day out for fit, experienced trampers. If you want an even longer trip from sea level, DOC suggests walking the Rārangi Bay to Whites Bay Track, or walking or riding the Black Jack Track, to climb up to Port Underwood Road and the start of the loop.
DOC notes that the Rārangi Bay to Whites Bay Track is for walkers only and not suitable for mountain bikes.
Mountain Biking
The loop and the summit route are shared-use tracks graded 3/Intermediate to 4/Advanced for mountain biking. The Pukaka Valley extension, mostly ridden downhill as an add-on to the loop, is graded 5/Expert and is extremely narrow and technical in places. DOC warns riders to expect other users there, particularly walkers coming uphill.
Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track. DOC points riders to the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club website for more on local trails, including the Double Eagle downhill track.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC says hot, dry conditions and strong, cold winds are common in this area, so pack for both. There is no water supply on the summit route, so carry all the water you need.
Open fires are not allowed at any of the East Coast reserves, and only portable stoves should be used for cooking. Watch for wasps, especially in late summer and autumn.
Severe weather has damaged many roads in Marlborough, and DOC asks visitors to check the latest road updates from the Marlborough District Council before travelling. For a trip of this length, use Plan My Walk to plan your day, tell someone your plans, and carry a distress beacon.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mount Robertson tracks: 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: Blenheim area: other DOC tracks and reserves around Blenheim and Port Underwood.
Plan My Walk: a free planning tool for weather, gear lists and sharing your intentions before a long day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the Mount Robertson tracks take?
DOC allows 8–12 hours return. The loop alone takes 8–9 hours, and the summit route adds about 4 hours return from the junction on the loop.
How hard are they?
DOC grades them as an advanced tramping track. The loop is narrow and technical in places, and the summit route follows a ridge to 1,036 m.
Where do the tracks start?
The loop is signposted from two access points on Port Underwood Road. The summit route starts from a junction on the loop at about 700 m.
Can I mountain bike the Mount Robertson tracks?
Yes. They are shared-use tracks graded 3/Intermediate to 4/Advanced, and the Pukaka Valley extension is graded 5/Expert.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC says no dogs on these tracks.
Is there water on the track?
Not on the summit route. DOC says there is no water supply, so take all you need with you.
Can I start from sea level?
Yes. DOC suggests the Rārangi Bay to Whites Bay Track (walkers only) or the Black Jack Track to climb up to Port Underwood Road and the start of the loop.
Are the tracks open?
They were open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts, but storms have damaged many Marlborough roads. Check DOC and the council’s road updates before you go.
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.