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Places to visit

Rainbow Road/Upper Wairau Valley

Marlborough region

Horse riders on Rainbow Road.

Horse riders on Rainbow Road

Map highlighting the Marlborough region of New Zealand.

The Rainbow Road is a 'wilderness driving' experience across private land. It connects St Arnaud to Hanmer Springs via Rainbow and Molesworth Stations. It is remarkable for the transition from craggy, beech-covered mountains to flowing tussock lands, where vast screes spill from ridge crest to valley floor in a lonely landscape.

The road is a toll road managed by Rainbow Station (Star Holdings Ltd) and is open from 26 December to 5 pm on Easter Monday. There is a $25 toll per 4WD vehicle, $15 per motorbike, $2 per mountain or push bike, $2 per tramper.

Outside the open period contact Star Holdings Ltd to arrange access through the station to 4WD, tramp, hunt, fish or mountain bike.

Location

The Rainbow Road is situated between St Arnaud and Hanmer Springs.

Features

Find out about the history of the Rainbow Road.

Activities on Rainbow Road/Upper Wairau Valley

Learn what you can see and do on the Rainbow Road.

Places to stay

Find out about where you can stay on the Rainbow Road.

Plan and prepare

Find out about how to get to the Rainbow Road/Upper Wairau Valley and what you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Highlights:

Molesworth Station

New Zealand's largest farm, Molesworth Station illustrates how conservation, recreation and farming can co-exist.

Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is situated in the north of New Zealand's South Island. The gateway to the park is St Arnaud, a 1-2 hour drive from Nelson or Blenheim.

Guides and commercial tourism providers

Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Rainbow Road/Upper Wairau Valley.

Find out more

Publications

Hanmer to St Arnaud Road via Rainbow Station (PDF, 859K)

Weather

Weather for South Marlborough area - Marlborough rural forecast

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 521 1806
Address:	View Road St Arnaud
Email:
Full office details

Nelson Regional Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 546 9339
Address:	Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010
Email:
Full office details

Hurunui Visitor Centre
Phone:	+64 3 315 7128
Address:	Amuri Avenue Hurunui
Email:
Full office details

Rainbow Station:
Star Holdings Limited, +64 3 545 7600, fax +64 3 545 7601