I finally made it! After 9 years of trying to tick this off, I’ve finally completed a mission through some of the South Island’s most iconic tracks. This trip takes us across Molesworth Station, Rainbow Road, and into the stunning Edwards Valley.
Expect rough tracks, remote camping, and the kind of views that make you fall in love with NZ’s back country all over again. This is classic South Island overlanding — simple setup, big landscapes, and a goal that’s been a long time coming.
Open from the 1st of October through till Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April, whatever is first. The Molesworth route takes you through the stunning Awatere Valley. One of New Zealand's longest gravel roads, Molesworth offers a day of easy exploring.
Link it up with Rainbow Road when both are open and create a loop from Picton and back again.
The Molesworth route is often shut over the height of summer due to drought - so pick your times wisely. Always pays to double check with DOC before heading into the road.
Climb 1693 metres up to Altimarloch, high above the clouds and the Awatere Valley below. With views out over the upper South Island, this route is well worth the trip up the hill on a clear day!
The road is super bump and tight in spots with hairpins on the way up.
Camp by this historic cobb building from 1863, once used as an overnight carriage stop.
Acheron Road is open 7 am – 7 pm daily from 1 October to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later. It can close without warning.
The more interesting of the two routes up into the St James Conservation area, Jollies Pass Road takes you high through the hills. The route contains an amazing lookout over Hanmer Springs looking south. With a small creek crossing and stunning scenery it's hard to beat.
The gate at the Hanmer side can be closed over winter due to the weather, be sure to check as it's a long way back.
Jacks Pass is an easier climb up into the St James Conservation area. A generally well graded gravel road, it's open year round and offers an easy drive up into the hills for more adventures.
Rainbow Road is one of New Zealand’s most iconic off-road routes, offering a scenic journey through rugged backcountry landscapes in the South Island. The track is a well-graded gravel road, suitable for most 4WD vehicles, with a few river fords to navigate along the way.
Originally constructed to support the transmission lines running through the region, Rainbow Road now provides overlanders with access to stunning alpine scenery, native forests, and picturesque valleys.
Access to the road costs $60 per vehicle, payable at the farmhouse near the northern end of the route. This fee helps maintain the road and ensures its continued availability for recreational use. The road is typically open from Boxing Day (December 26th) through to Easter, but seasonal conditions can vary, so it’s worth confirming access before planning your trip - jump onto the Rainbow Station website https://www.rainbowstation.co.nz/ for the latest. Payments are usually in cash, so it’s a good idea to come prepared.
The road’s gates are unlocked daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and vehicles will not be permitted to pass outside these hours without prior permission from Rainbow Station. Travelers planning to take on Rainbow Road should aim to complete the drive well within this timeframe, leaving extra time to enjoy the scenery and manage any unexpected delays.
There are no fuel stations or services along the road, so ensure your vehicle has enough fuel and you’re carrying basic supplies like water, food, and recovery equipment. Rainbow Road passes through private land and pristine natural areas. Stay on the designated track, leave gates as you find them, and take all rubbish with you.
This isolated campsite beside Lake Tennyson offers trout fishing, kayaking, boating and walking opportunities.
A short track up to Connors Creek Hut. 830m above sea level. Fairly tight in spots.