Discover a remote, wild Molesworth Station, a New Zealand settlement where people tested themselves and the dream of a pastoral life against the alpine high country elements. Delve into the fascinating history of Maori walking tracks, alpine scenery and story of failed pastoral leases.
Molesworth Station, Marlborough is a summer only destination for visitors due to the unforgiving bitter winter in the remote alpine region.
Today the land is farmed by the Department of Conservation. The farm is the largest in New Zealand and the 180,787 hectare station is a unique journey into a remote landscape.
Can you self-drive the Molesworth Station, Marlborough?
You can self-drive through the Molesworth Station in summer. Travel the Molesworth on unsealed roads on the Acheron Road. The road is open from Labour Weekend to around Easter, though it can be closed at any point by the Department of Conservation if the fire risk is too high in the hot summer months.
The unsealed road is not suitable for large vehicles, but can be driven by 2-wheel-drive vehicles. The Molesworth is accessed from the Awatere Valley, via Rainbow Station (4WD only, over private land for a fee) and from Hanmer Springs.
Visitors can stay overnight at the Molesworth Station. Camping is available at several locations. There are two camping options near historic buildings. Acheron Accommodation House, a heritage cob house building 1863. It has now been restored and, along with the Molesworth Cob Cottage.
Molesworth Station in the upper reaches of the Awatere Valley is overlooked by the sacred Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, 2885m high and steeped in Māori legend.
For visitors interested in heritage check out the fascinating story of the Edwin Fox and make sure to visit the museum when in Picton.
Consider a touch of comfort with the Molesworth Station tour. It is once in a lifetime when you travel into the remote high country. Immerse yourself in the New Zealand High Country with a luxury private tour of the Rainbow Station and surrounding Molesworth area.
Molesworth Station is part of the Marlborough Heritage Trail. Molesworth can be explored with guided tours such as Molesworth Station Tour.
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