Trig Lookout - 1.3 km / Mount Chisolm - 3.5 km return via same track
Acheron Road is open 7 am – 7 pm daily from 1 October to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later. Acheron Road 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.
The track to Trig Lookout and Mount Chisholm starts from the car park on the Molesworth side of Wards Pass. From the car park, follow a 4WD track to the junction where signs direct you to Trig Lookout and on to Mount Chisholm.
From Mount Chisholm there are spectacular views of Molesworth Homestead and its farm buildings. From the summit all round views take in the Awatere Valley and Inland Kaikoura Ranges to the east, Acheron Valley to the north-west and views across Isolated Flat and Mount Barefell to the south.
The track is a tramping track marked with poles. It is unformed, steep and has rough sections suitable for walkers with a good level of fitness.
Awatere turn-off (22 km/185 km)
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 Molesworth Road is open.
Along the public Awatere Valley Road, picnic and toilet facilities are offered at the Marlborough District Council’s Blairich Recreation Reserve (37 km/161 km) and the Hodder Bridge Picnic Area (76 km/132 km).
Molesworth Cob Cottage (122 km/85 km)
For visitors who have travelled up the Awatere Valley, the original cob homestead built by John Murphy in 1866 is the gateway to Molesworth where the Acheron Road begins. If the road is closed, don't go any further.
Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 521 1806 |
| Email: | nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |