Molesworth Station

Lake Sedgmere, Molesworth Station.

Lake Sedgmere, Molesworth Station

Nelson/Marlborough region

New Zealand map showing Nelson/Marlborough region.

Conservation, farming and recreation go hand in hand at Molesworth, New Zealand's largest farm.

Molesworth has been managed by the Crown for over 50 years, bringing together three runs (Tarndale, Molesworth and St Helens) which had been overgrazed by sheep and rabbits and repeatedly burned. With careful management including solely stocking with cattle, soils and vegetation have been gradually restored to good health.

Today Molesworth is managed by the Department of Conservation with Landcorp Farming Limited responsible for farming operations under a lease agreement.

Alert/Important notice

The road is now closed until 28 December.

Location

Molesworth Station is located behind the Inland Kaikoura Mountains in South Marlborough.
Acheron homestead, Molesworth Station. Photo: C. S Robertson.

Features

At Molesworth you will find the country's biggest cattle herd and highest public road, as well as nearly half of South Marlborough's endemic plants.

Rafting starts at the confluence of the Acheron River, Marlborough. Photo: Kevin L Jones.

Activities at Molesworth Station

Apart from walking the network of tracks off the Hanmer-Rainbow Road you can also go mountain biking, rafting, hunting and fishing or take a guided tour.

Children in tent, Molesworth Cob Cottage campsite. Photo: Diana Parr.

Places to stay

There are a number of camping options and one hut at Molesworth Station.

Road going into Molesworth Station, Marlborough. Photo: Diana Parr.

Plan & prepare

Learn what you need to know before going to Molesworth Station and view a map. ! If planning to travel on the Acheron Road through the station, you should check the road is open before you go – find out how here.

Highlights:

Danger symbol.

How to check if the road is open

Weather conditions or fire danger may close Acheron Road without warning. Check if the road is open by contacting DOC South Marlborough Area office on +64 3 572 9100.

Section of of Molesworth Station map.

Map of Molesworth Station

View a map of Molesworth Station showing the available facilities, public access zones and roads.

Molesworth Station and Acheron House. Photo: R Suisted.

Historic Molesworth Station

In New Zealand, the name Molesworth Station evokes the nation's high-country farming identity. Learn more about the station's history and present management of the area as a working farm, conservation site and recreation destination.

 
 

Find out more

Publication
Molesworth Station brochure 2008-2009 (PDF, 799 K)
Weather

Weather for South Marlborough area - Marlborough rural forecast

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Information

LINZ information on the management of Molesworth Station

South Island high country conservation

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Contact
South Marlborough Area Office
Phone:      +64 3 572 9100
Email:   southmarlboroughao@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
Phone:      +64 3 521 1806
Address:   View Road
St Arnaud
Email:   nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

Fish & Game:
Marlborough office, +64 3 578 8421
Nelson office, +64 3 544 6382

i-SITE visitor information centres:
Email Hurunui, +64 3 315 7128 / 0800 442 663
Email Blenheim, +64 3 577 8080

Molesworth Station:
The Manager, +64 3 575 7043
Email: molesworth@landcorp.co.nz

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

St James Station:
Jill Dampier-Crossley, +64 3 315 6093

 

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