Mount Robertson Summit Track
Climb above Picton through regenerating native bush to the summit of Mount Robertson for sweeping views of the Queen Charlotte Sound, Cook Strait, and the North Island.
- 1
Picton Domain Trailhead
The trail begins at the Picton Domain, climbing immediately through replanted native bush that has regenerated since sheep were removed from the hillsides in the 1990s.
- 2
Lower Bush Zone
The lower track passes through mānuka and kānuka scrub — pioneer species that provide cover for larger native trees to establish underneath in the regenerating forest.
- 3
Ridge Viewpoint
A mid-track viewpoint gives the first clear view over Picton township, the sound entrance, and the ferry wake trail stretching north toward Cook Strait.
- 4
Mount Robertson Summit
The summit, just 319 metres high, gives a remarkable view — Queen Charlotte Sound to the east, Pelorus Sound to the west, Cook Strait north, and the Wairau Valley south.
- 5
North Island Sighting Point
On exceptionally clear days, the mountains of the North Island's Tararua Range are visible across Cook Strait, 30 km to the north — a satisfying end-of-journey sight.
- 6
Native Forest Return
Descend through native forest that grows denser year by year — rimu, tōtara, and nīkau palms establishing in the shelter of the kānuka pioneers above Picton.