Activities on Rainbow Road/Upper Wairau Valley

Driving through Rainbow Road

View from Rainbow Road

The 112 km journey takes at least three hours. The guide below starts at St Arnaud, distances in brackets are for the reverse journey.

St Arnaud, 0 km (112 km)

This is the front door of Nelson Lakes National Park. A network of short walks allows exploration of the glacial landforms, forests and mountains around Lake Rotoiti. There is also a general store which sells petrol and diesel, and a range of accommodation.

Rainbow Road turn-off, 9 km (103 km)

Rainbow Station turn-off, 12 km (100 km)

A short side road leads to the homestead where hunting permission can be obtained. Please leave the gates as you find them.

Rainbow Ski Area turn-off, 26 km (86 km)

Old Rainbow Homestead toll gate, 36 km (76 km)

Coldwater Creek camping area, 46 km (66 km)

Beyond the toll gate the Rainbow experience really begins.

The road fords several streams, crosses the Wairau on a bridge and then enters Hell's Gate, a narrow gorge. Coldwater Creek is just above the gorge.

Lake Sedgemere, 57 km (55 km)

Soon after Coldwater Creek the road crosses the Wairau and arrives at the boundary between Rainbow and Molesworth Stations.

The road re-crosses the Wairau River and a short side-road leads to Sedgemere sleep-out (standard hut, 6 bunks).

From the car park is a route to a viewpoint over several beautiful lakes supporting fragile wetland communities.

Island Saddle, 68 km (44 km)

At 1347 metres above sea level, this is the highest point on the Rainbow Road and the highest public accessible road in New Zealand. It is also the watershed between the Wairau and Clarence rivers, and a boundary between Marlborough and Canterbury

Four wheel drive vehicles at Lake Tennyson

Lake Tennyson, 73 km (39 km)

This scenic gem was formed behind a glacier deposited dam of rubble. The lake shore is a lovely place for a picnic.

Molesworth turn-off, 104 km (8 km)

The Molesworth experience, a 191 km drive from Hanmer to Blenheim, leaves the Rainbow Road here. The road is open between 28 December and 1 April each year.

Hanmer Springs (via Jacks Pass Road), 112 km (0 km)

This resort town, famed for its hot springs, has all the facilities travellers will need: accommodation, eating places, information, fuel and activities.

Other activities

Hunting

• Deer and chamois are the main game animals.
• Hunters each require permits from both the Department of Conservation and Rainbow Station.
• Upper Wairau hunting area.
• Molesworth Station.
• More information on hunting in South Marlborough.

Mountain biking

• Permission is required for mountain bike access.
• Touring cyclists with gear should allow two days to ride from St Arnaud to Hanmer Springs.

Skiing

• Rainbow Ski Area generally opens from July to September each year. For more information visit www.skirainbow.co.nz.
• Information on Hanmer Springs Ski Area can be found on www.skihanmer.co.nz. There is scope for ski touring to the north and south in basins and long the St Arnaud Range.

Kayaking

• The Wairau is well suited for less experienced kayakers.

Climbing

• Fine peaks ring the Rainbow Valley, providing enjoyable climbing in summer and challenging winter conditions for the adventurous.

Fishing

• The Upper Wairau waterways provide excellent trout fishing.
• The fishing season is from 1 October to the end of April.
• Each angler must carry a Fish and Game New Zealand licence.

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