Quartz Creek/Mount Royal Route

The route follows Quartz Creek and passes the Sutherland Mine battery site. It follows a 4WD track to the forest where it begins climbing, steeply in places, to the bushline just below Mount Royal summit (1366 m).

There are no markers above the bushline. From the bushline on the northern side another marked route descends to Devils Creek Hut (4.6 km).

Note: there is no water on the way up to Mt Royal.

5 km north of Renwick, just over the Wairau River bridge, turn off SH6 onto North Bank Road. Follow this for 20km then turn into Fabians Valley Road, then into Bartletts Road. Follow Barletts Road for 5 km to Quartz Creek Flat where the track starts.

Extensive damage from flooding in 2009 means the first 3.7km of the route is a mixture of old 4WD road or in the creek bed. Orange markers mark the crossing points. You will get your feet wet in this section and may want to use sneakers until you reach the "Mt Royal Summit-3 hrs" sign. Here is a good point to put on dry socks and boots.

From this point the track climbs steeply through beech forest to about 1100m. The track then turns towards Mt Royal and continues along the saddle through mature beech. As you near the bushline at about 1260m there is a clearing suitable for camping.

From this point on, it is a final short scramble up through alpine scree and onto the top.

Turn back the way you came, or continue on to the Wakamarina Road end.

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely