Molesworth road to open on 28 December
December 15, 2006
The Acheron Road through Molesworth Station is due to open to the public later this month for more than 13 weeks, weather and road conditions permitting.
The road through the heart of the historic high country station in South Marlborough is scheduled to be open from 28 December through till 1 April.
There is no fee to travel the road but there are fees for overnight stays in its campsites.
Molesworth is a recreation reserve under Department of Conservation management with the cattle farming operation run by Landcorp Farming Limited.
DOC South Marlborough Area Community Relations Programme Manager Colin Davis said the Acheron Road journey was a spectacular high country experience.
"Molesworth is a very special place. At 180,476 hectares, it is New Zealand's largest farm. It also has outstanding natural features, a rich history and a stunning and dramatic landscape. As a reserve and working cattle station, it combines farming, conservation and recreation in one vast area."
Visitors to the station are asked to comply with a Molesworth Care Code aimed at protecting native species and the working farm. Access is restricted to the roads and areas open to the public.
No open fires are allowed. People making the road journey are asked to take extreme care to avoid starting fires. Fire could cause devastating damage to farm pasture and the area's native vegetation and wildlife, some of which is unique and rare.
The trip between Blenheim and Hanmer takes around 6 hours. The 59-kilometre Acheron Road through Molesworth is open between 7am and 7pm daily. Careful and slow driving is needed on the narrow, unsealed road. It is suitable for two-wheel drive cars but not for caravans or vehicles over seven metres long.
Overnight camping is possible at campsites by Molesworth Cob Cottage and Acheron Accommodation House. Camping fees are $6 per adult and $1.50 per child per night. Portable cookers should be carried.
Anyone planning to make the road journey should first check that the road is open as it can close without warning due to weather conditions. Calls can be made to the DOC South Marlborough Area Office, ph: +64 3 572 9100, or the DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Centre, ph: +64 3 546 9339. Information on Molesworth can be found on the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz
