Image: Roseanne Taurima | Creative Commons
Richmond Trail
Richmond Trail

Located in Lake Tekapo area in the Canterbury region

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Tekapo while walking or riding this track.

From Lilybank Road, turn off at Roundhill Ski Area. There is a formed car park at the locked gate on the ski area access road. It is an uphill walk from the car park. After 3 km look out for the Richmond Trail sign.

The trail travels along an old glacial terrace through tussocks and patches of native vegetation. On a fine day you get sweeping views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. It is a steep descent above Boundary Stream on the way back to Lilybank Road. 

This trail starts and finishes in different places so two vehicles are required or an arranged pick-up.

Mountain biking

Richmond Trail is best cycled in a clock-wise direction. Park at the car park on Roundhill Ski Area access road and ride 3 km uphill to the trail start. It is straight forward riding along the terrace before the descent to Lilybank Road. Parts of the descent are steep, but these can be walked.

This is a shared-use track. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.

This track is on the eastern shores of Lake Tekapo. Turn off SH8 at Tekapo onto Lilybank Road which is a gravel road.

Map: NZTopo50 BY17 Lake Tekapo