Plan & prepare

Driving through Molesworth Station

The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station is generally open to the public from 28 December to 1 April, from 7.00am to 7.00pm but the road may be closed without warning due to weather conditions or fire danger. You should check the road status before setting out; it can be checked 24 hours a day by contacting the DOC South Marlborough Area Office: phone +64 3 572 9100. 

The road is suitable for two-wheel drive cars (without trailers) but not for caravans, buses or vehicles over seven metres long.  

The Rainbow-Hanmer Road linking St Arnaud (gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park) and Hanmer is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. This is a wilderness driving experience and travellers must be self-sufficient and prepared for sudden weather changes. Allow at least three hours to drive from Hanmer to State Highway 63 at the St Arnaud end.

From 28 December until 1 April, a toll is collected at the Rainbow cob homestead and a gate here is opened for travellers. Outside this season, two gates are locked. Access permission must be obtained from the runholder, Star Holdings Limited.

Check with DOC or i-SITE visitor centres before setting out as road and access conditions may change at any time.

Please remember

Travel through Molesworth is at your own risk. There is no cellphone coverage. Automobile Association breakdown services and some vehicle insurance policies do not apply. Fill your fuel tank before setting out and carry a good quality spare tyre.

Check signs along the route which warn of any road closures which may occur at any time. This could be due to slips, washouts or snow, to allow stock movement or other reasons.

Getting there

From Blenheim, follow State Highway One south, then turn right at the Awatere Valley intersection just north of Seddon and the Awatere Valley Bridge. A sign here will indicate whether the Acheron Road through Molesworth is open.

From Hanmer, take Jacks Pass Road a short distance past the Hurunui i-SITE and about 750 metres along that road turn right into the Clarence Valley Road. Follow this road over the pass and turn right for Molesworth and the Acheron road.