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.
One of the longest gravel roads in the country, running right through the heart of the high country. It follows the Awatere Valley between Blenheim and Hanmer Springs, with big mountain views, ever-changing scenery, swimming spots and trout-filled rivers along the way. DOC information panels through the station fill you in on its history, and if you fancy a brown trout off a spinner, bring a rod.
It's a long but well-maintained gravel road rated easy, fine for a 2WD with a bit of ground clearance, though airing down to 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 down the valley to break the journey, and plenty of drivers prefer it to Rainbow for the length and variety.
Trailers need a DOC permit and caravans aren't allowed. 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 make a loop from Picton. Allow a full day to take it all in.
A long gravel climb up to Altimarloch, rising 1693 metres high above the clouds and the Awatere Valley below. The payoff is sweeping views over the upper South Island and the surrounding ranges, and most drivers reckon it's worth the trip even when cloud rolls in partway up.
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 pull over for photos, and note it's not suitable for towing.
A popular little side quest off the Molesworth, good 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 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.
The more interesting of the two routes up into the St James Conservation area, this one links the Molesworth and Rainbow country with Hanmer Springs. Short but scenic, it climbs high through the hills, and as you crest the top there's a great lookout over Hanmer Springs and the valley to the south.
It's 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 if something comes the other way. The steep descents have some washed-out bits, so a bit of ground clearance and care goes a long way. 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. A good 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, so check before committing, as it's a long way back.
A steady gravel climb out of Hanmer Springs that takes you up into the St James Conservation Area. It's well graded most of the way, open year round, and an easy enough run for most 4WD travellers. Steep in places, but the surface is rarely more than a little bumpy.
From the pass the road links through to the Rainbow Road and on to the Molesworth Station route, so Jacks Pass works nicely either as a quick outing or the first leg of something longer into the high country. The views across the surrounding hill country are worth the climb.
Worth noting the descents are steep, so drop into a lower gear to hold your speed rather than riding the brakes the whole way down. In the cooler months you can strike snow on the upper half.
A long gravel run through rugged backcountry, linking the St Arnaud and Nelson Lakes area with the Hanmer Springs side. Originally built to service the transmission lines, it crosses Rainbow Station's private land before reaching the Molesworth boundary. The northern end is steeper, with the road hugging river valleys, while it opens out near Lake Tennyson and the southern stretch.
Mostly well-graded gravel with optional river and stream fords, and bridges if you'd rather keep dry. Expect potholes on the southern section and rocky, loose going up north, where airing down helps. Crossings can rise after heavy rain. Most vehicles cope fine, and folks have done the lot in 2WD on a good day. The scenery is the drawcard: alpine peaks, native bush and quiet valleys with spots to fish or pull over for lunch. The camping near Lake Tennyson is well worth it.
Access is $60 per vehicle, paid in cash at the homestead near the northern end, where they often sell local honey too, so carry extra. Gates open 7am to 6pm. No fuel or services along the way, so bring water, food and insect repellent for the sandflies at the camps. Leave gates as found and take your rubbish out.
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.
A short climb that works its way up to Connors Creek Hut, sitting at 830m. Good one for a relaxed day out or a quiet overnight at the hut, well away from the crowds.
The track gets fairly tight in places, so keep an eye on your vehicle's width through the narrower sections. Take it steady and the climb is manageable enough for most capable 4WDs.
The payoff is the hut itself, a peaceful spot to pull up for lunch or settle in for the night.