Just a short drive, or walk, from Richmond there are some amazing Richmond walks with beautiful views. Think flat, sea, bush, hills and wonderful views. There is a little something to suit all levels of fitness, here are a few to get you started.

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail 

Starting off nice and easy this is a flat track with plenty of options when it comes to which way to go.

Option 1 – Park on the road by McDonald’s in Richmond on Queen Street, the entrance to the walkway is to the right of the building and you are heading south. The track is paved for the first kilometre and then is a hard packed dirt track, bit of gravel here and there. Once you hit Ranzau Road you follow along the road side for a short while and then turn onto Pugh Road. End of this road sees you back on the tracks and a swing bridge for a little bit of fun. Once you are in Brightwater it’s a perfect opportunity for a pint at the Sprig and Fern. This walk is 20km return, turn around earlier to make it a shorter walk if you wish.

Option 2 – Depending on how far you like to walk, you may want to get picked up at the end of this one. Start by parking at the end of Beach Road in Richmond, there is a large car park here for you to use. The trail is hard packed dirt and wooden walkways over water inlets. Plenty of sea views and a toilet part of the way along if needed. Once you reach the corner of Best Island Road and Lower Queen Street you are on a gravel road for a short time. At the end of the walk you will hit the beach front at Rabbit Island. A perfect spot to stay and have a nibble, drink and wait for you ride to come and collect you. This walk is a doable 15km.

Both of these walks are well signposted the entire way and flat easy walking. For detailed information and a printable map please check out the link.

Jimmy Lee Creek Loop

Park on Hill street just North of the Queens Street Intersection. The trail follows up the valley in beautiful bush and hear all the amazing bird song. There has been pest control in the valley for nearly 10 years now. There is also a bird feeding station and viewing platform not far in from the start of the walk. Continue up the valley and be prepared for creek crossings. There is an alternative track that follows the right hand side, both end up at the same place, the right hand side is better suited after heavy rain to avoid some of the crossings. Eventually you will reach another track crossing in front of you. You want to go straight through it and up the steps carrying on up the hill. You will find yourself at a picnic table with views once you emerge from the bush. Carry on up and over the saddle weaving your way down the hill, this part of the track has been well maintained and there are steps on the way down. This track heads into Will’s Gully and is newly planted. From here you will go down a series of steps, including Fossil Steps, through one last creek crossing. A short stint uphill and away from the creek, then straight down out onto Hill Street. Turn to your Right and follow the footpath back to your car. The walk is roughly 4km. As there are other tracks linking in at various points, it is recommended to print off or study the map before doing this one, please follow the link.

Richmond Fire Lookout

This beautiful Walk starts at Easby Park, located on Marlborough Crescent. There is a car park next to a small playground for walkers and mountain bikers to use. Start walking across Easby Park and head up the hill following Tower Road. The first 2km are reasonably steep. You will reach a skid site called Hang 10 with multiple options to choose. Follow the gentle way along Oliver Road, over the gate and stile and continue up until you see a track to your right, this is Heaton Road and follow this to the top. Part way up you come to a fork in the road, stay on the right hand side and over another gate and stile. At the top you come to a beautiful view overlooking Richmond (this is where Heaton Road changes into Henry Road). If you look to your left you will see the Fire Lookout, keep going a little further up until you are at the lookout itself, best views are from here and it’s worth the climb. This walk is 9km return.

Hacket Hut

Drive up approximately 8km along the Aniseed Valley until you reach the Hacket Hut Car Park. Cross over the Roding river Bridge and onto the track that follows the river all the way along until you reach a suspension bride. Once you are past this the track opens up a little more. About 3 km from the car park you will see a sign indicating Whispering falls to your left. Stay on the right hand side of the track. You walk through open areas with lots of rocks and through beautiful lush bush. Just before you reach the Hacket Hut you have a small river crossing, if you are careful you can avoid wet feet. Return the same way. If you are up for a slightly longer walk, you might like to visit the chromite mines on your return, they are located not long before the Whispering falls turn off on the opposite side of the track. This will be an extra 2.5km return and you can actually go into the mines at your own risk. The entrance can be a bit overgrown at times and depending on recent storms some tree fall. The Hacket Hut walk is 12km return.

The Hut itself is a great start to overnight tramping trips. For more information visit the team at the Nelson Visitor Centre in Millars Acre car park, Nelson city. They can help you with track information, what to bring and your hut passes.

Whispering Falls

Following the same track as above, you turn left at the sign and 3km mark and head up the hill to Whispering falls. The falls are just a trickle and beautiful. Further along the track above the falls there is a large open grassy area that’s great for picnic, also offering fantastic views of the mineral belt and forests. The walk is 8km return.

Many of our walks are shared pathways, for cyclists and walkers alike. Remember to be kind and respectful to one another. It’s also a good idea to let someone know where you are going. Take a cell phone with you, plenty of water and snacks with you and remember to dress for the conditions. Better to take a warm jacket or rain coat with you and not need it, than the other way around.

Enjoy yourself on these Richmond walks!


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Brent Palmer – Professional Real Estate Consultant

About the Author: The above article on Richmond Day Walks was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.

He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.

Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.

I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman  towns  & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.

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