Molesworth activity permits
Find out what access and activities are managed with a permit system on Molesworth Recreational Reserve.

DOC issues all activity permits. Permits can be applied for using the online application form below. Allow 10 working days for us to receive and process your application. 

About activity permits

  • Driving permits for the Acheron Road during the road closure period will not be issued for recreational purposes. Due to farming operations and winter conditions.
  • Public access to Molesworth is managed to balance recreation, farming needs, fire risk and public safety.
  • Access is available to the public within certain zones during specified periods of the year.
  • The Molesworth map (PDF, 2,248K) will assist your planning.
  • Outside these specified zones and time periods, public access is restricted and an activity permit is required.
  • See the list below to work out if you need an activity permit.
  • Activity permits may be declined due to farming activities such as mustering, calving and animal pest control.
  • Activity permits may also be declined due to safety issues such as extreme weather conditions and fire risk.
  • Alternative dates or locations may be offered to the applicant.

Apply online for an activity permit

Check if the road is open

Acheron Road is open 7 am – 7 pm daily from 1 October to Easter Monday or the second Monday in April – whichever is later. It can close without warning.

Check road conditions

Recent severe weather has damaged many roads in the Marlborough Sounds. Before you travel to our facilities, check the latest road updates on the Marlborough District Council website.

Find out if you need an activity permit for the following activities.

Driving

Driving permits for the Acheron Road during the road closure period will not be issued for recreational purposes. Due to farming operations and winter conditions.

Plan your visit to Acheron Road before applying. The Acheron Road is a challenging and unsealed high country route. 

Acheron Road

No permit required to drive a vehicle under 7 m.

A permit is required to tow a trailer/caravan provided that:

  • your caravan has a significant amount of ground clearance
  • your trailer/caravan cannot be longer than 7 m.

2WD campervans and vehicles over 7 m are not allowed.

Rainbow Station

To get a permit and the latest information on the road status:

Mountain biking

Acheron Road

Date:1 October until Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later.
Permit required: No

Date: Easter Tuesday or second Monday in April – whichever is later until 30 September
Permit required: Yes

Hunting

Any location

Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes. Special permit required – apply online.

Note: A hunting permit does not guarantee road access when the Acheron Road is closed. An activity permit for driving access to your hunting block will not be issued when the road is closed due to winter weather and farming operations. Plan for this in your block choices.

Walking

Leatham/Molesworth Route

Date: 1 May to 31 December
Permit required: No

Date: 1 January to 31 April
Permit required: Yes (to travel upstream of Saxton hut)

East/West Route

Date: Any time
Permit required: No (unless travelling upstream of Saxton Hut between 1 January and 31 April)

Central Zone

When walking on marked tracks from Acheron Road:

Date: 1 October to easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later
Permit required: No

Date: Easter Tuesday or second Monday in April – whichever is later until 30 September
Permit required: Yes

When walking off-track:
Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes

North Zone (adjoining the Leatham)

Date: 1 May to 31 December
Permit required: No

Date: 1 January to 30 April
Permit required: Yes

East Zone (including Dillon Cone)

Date: 1 November to 30 April
Permit required: No

Date: 1 May to 31 October
Permit required: Yes

Southwest Zone (adjoining Rainbow Station)

Date: Any time
Permit required: No

Horse riding

Any location

Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes

Fishing

Any location

Date: Any time
Permit required: Yes, a fishing licence is required from Fish & Game New Zealand. Trout fishing season is 1 October to 30 April. No fishing allowed outside this time. You may require an activity permit for access if you are driving, mountain biking, walking or horse riding - the information for these activities is above.

Open areas may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions or stock movements.