[1] Established in 1977, the forest park is located between Nelson and Marlborough and consists of 1,659 km2 (641 sq mi) of conservation estate.

The most notable peak in the forest park is Mount Richmond, which has an elevation above sea level of 1,760 metres (5,770 ft).

[5][1] The future park was the location of New Zealand's first deadly civilian aviation incident associated with regular passenger air service.

On 7 May 1942, a plane flying from Wellington to Nelson with two pilots and three passengers, was lost in the area.

A subsequent investigation found a burnt out plane and no survivors on the upper slopes of Mount Richmond.