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.
Running through the heart of the high country, the Molesworth route follows one of New Zealand's longest gravel roads, taking you through the stunning Awatere Valley between Blenheim and Hanmer Springs. Expect breathtaking mountain views, ever-changing scenery, swimming spots and trout-filled rivers, plus DOC information panels covering the station's history. Bring a rod if you fancy a brown trout from the river.
It's a long but well-maintained gravel road rated easy, suitable for 2WD with a little ground clearance, though airing down (around 30psi) makes for a more comfortable ride. Take it easy on the many blind corners and watch for cyclists and the occasional sheep muster. Several campsites are scattered through the valley to break the journey, and many drivers prefer it to Rainbow for its length and variety of scenery.
Trailers require a DOC permit and caravans aren't permitted; dogs must stay in vehicles around Cob Cottage campground, even on a lead. Link it up with Rainbow Road, or Taylors Pass, to stay off the tarmac and create a loop from Picton. The road closes seasonally over winter and can shut on short notice during dry summers, so always check with DOC. Allow a full day to take it all in.
Climb 1693 metres up Blackbirch Road to Altimarloch, high above the clouds and the Awatere Valley below in Marlborough. The route delivers sweeping views out over the upper South Island and the surrounding mountain ranges, and it's well worth the trip up the hill on a clear day — many drivers reckon it's worthwhile even when cloud rolls in.
The road is steep, slow and bumpy, tight in spots with hairpins on the way up. It's a gravel climb generally rated easy to medium — not technically difficult, just a long uphill chug. Allow time to stop for photos along the way, and note that it's not suitable for towing.
A popular little side quest off the Molesworth, this is a great detour if you've got a clear-ish day and want big elevation and even bigger views. Drivers report it as a roughly hour-long return run with stops, so it's an easy add-on to a bigger day out.
Set within Marlborough's vast Molesworth Station, this riverside campsite sits beside the historic Acheron Accommodation House, a cobb building dating from 1863 that once served as an overnight carriage stop. The surroundings are open and scenic but exposed, with big valley views right across the camp areas.
There's plenty of space across three flat camp areas: one behind the old Acheron Lodge, one beside the DOC warden's hut (both above flood level), and a third tucked down by the river. Facilities are simple non-powered tent sites with a long drop at each level and tap water, and most visitors report good cell reception.
It's an excellent base for exploring, with several walks on offer, including a worthwhile 20-minute loop from the top campsite, plus good fishing for anglers willing to walk in. The homestead is worth a visit too. Pack warm clothes as it gets colder than expected, and be ready for sandflies. Access is via Acheron Road, which opens seasonally from 1 October to Easter Monday (or the second Sunday in April, whichever is later), 7am to 7pm daily, and can close without warning.
Jollies Pass is the more interesting of the two routes up into the St James Conservation area in Canterbury, linking the Molesworth and Rainbow country with Hanmer Springs. Short but scenic, it climbs high through the hills, and as you crest the mountain there's a spectacular lookout over Hanmer Springs and the valley to the south.
The route is a narrow gravel road with a small creek crossing, deep rain ruts, potholes and a raw, rocky surface in places. Sections are tightly lined with gorse and broom that can scratch wider vehicles, and there's little room to pass oncoming traffic. The steep descents include some washed-out sections, so a bit of ground clearance and care pays off. Watch for cyclists on the climb and descent.
Many find it tame in the dry, when capable vehicles have driven it both ways, but it's more of an adventure when wet. It makes a great alternative to Jacks Pass and a fine way to round out a Molesworth or Rainbow loop. The Hanmer end is signed as unmaintained, and the gate there can be closed over winter due to weather, so check before committing, as it's a long way back.
Jacks Pass Road is an easier climb up into the St James Conservation Area, starting from Hanmer Springs in Canterbury. A generally well graded gravel road, it's open year round and offers a straightforward, enjoyable drive up into the hills.
Though steep in places, the surface is rarely more than a little bumpy, making it accessible for most 4WD travellers. From the pass the road links through to the Rainbow Road and on to the Molesworth Station route, so it works well as a scenic gateway to bigger backcountry adventures in the area.
The climb rewards you with views across the hill country surrounding Hanmer Springs. A nice, accessible run whether you're using it as a quick outing or the first leg of a longer journey deeper into the high country.
Rainbow Road is one of New Zealand's most iconic off-road routes, a scenic gravel run through rugged South Island backcountry linking the St Arnaud/Nelson Lakes area with the Hanmer Springs side. Originally built to service the region's transmission lines, it crosses Rainbow Station's private land, with steeper, river-hugging valleys at the northern end and more open country near Lake Tennyson and the Molesworth boundary.
Expect a well-graded but long gravel road with optional river and stream fords (bridges are available as an alternative), plus potholes on the southern section and rocky, loose going at the northern end where airing down helps. The scenery is the highlight: alpine peaks, native bush and picturesque valleys, with peaceful spots to stop, fish or picnic, and great camping near Lake Tennyson.
Access costs $60 per vehicle, paid in cash at the homestead near the northern end, where they often also sell local honey, so carry extra cash. Gates open daily 7:00am to 6:00pm.
There are no fuel or services along the way, so carry water, food and recovery gear. Bring insect repellent for the sandflies at some camps. Stay on track, leave gates as found, take rubbish out, and check the Rainbow Station website before you go.
Tucked away in the high country of the Molesworth Recreation Reserve in Marlborough, this isolated campsite sits beside the stunning Lake Tennyson. It's a spacious, tidy lakeside spot that rates highly with visitors, offering trout fishing, kayaking, boating and walking opportunities, plus crisp alpine views that can include winter snow.
Facilities are basic but adequate: non-powered tent sites, two long-drop toilets, and water available from the stream. The site is wheelchair accessible with assistance. Be aware that it is very exposed, with few sheltered spots, so check the forecast and pack warm gear before heading in. The wind can pick up quickly, and in summer expect flies and mozzies around the lake edge.
Adventurous campers sometimes cross the lake exit river on a 4WD track to reach a quieter spot on the far side of the lake. Do a foot recce first, as it suits a snorkelled or lifted vehicle. A peaceful, scenic base that rewards good weather.
Connors Creek is a short 4WD track in the Nelson region, climbing through to Connors Creek Hut at 830m above sea level. It's a manageable run that suits either a relaxed day out or a quiet overnight stay at the hut.
The route is fairly tight in places, so keep an eye on your vehicle's width as you work through the narrower sections. Take it steady and the climb is straightforward enough for most capable 4WDs.
The payoff is the hut itself, a peaceful spot to stop for lunch or settle in for the night away from the crowds.