Acheron Road Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaSt James Conservation Area
Hanmer Springs -
AKAMolesworth Station
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Difficulty Rating
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Hiking SAC ScaleT1 Hiking
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Trail TypeDirt/Gravel Road
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Bike TypeXC, Gravel, Adaptive MTB
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingExtreme
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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SeasonSummer 7 am – 7 pm
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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TTFs on TrailBridge, Rock Garden
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Ride in RainYes
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Local Popularity55 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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Land Owner
During the summer season, the Acheron Road is open 7 am – 7 pm from Labour weekend Saturday to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is the later date), but may be closed without warning due to weather conditions or fire danger. The Acheron Road status can be checked 24 hours a day by contacting DOC Wairau / Renwick Office (03) 572 9100 or online at www.doc.govt.nz (type Molesworth in the search bar).
Keep to roads and marked routes. These are high‑altitude routes where weather conditions can change rapidly. Always carry wind‑ and water‑proof clothing.
The distance from Blenheim to Hanmer via the Acheron Road is 207 km. Open dates are the same as for motorists. Outside the open season mountain bikers must apply for a permit from Wairau/Renwick Office.
Along the Awatere Road, toilet facilities are provided at the Marlborough District Council’s Blairich Recreation Reserve
(37 km from Blenheim/161 km from Hanmer) and Hodder Bridge Picnic Area (76 km from Blenheim/132 km from Hanmer).
Allow a full day to cycle the 59 km section through Molesworth, camping a night at the Molesworth Cob Cottage before setting out the next morning or — if you are beginning your journey in Hanmer — by the Acheron Accommodation House, 27 km from the township ($ 6.00 per night per adult (age 18+) and $3.00 per night per child (age 5–17)). These are the only sites along the Acheron Road where camping is permitted.
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportdonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Acheron Road multi-use trail trail
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Altitude change329 ft
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Altitude min2,300 ft
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Altitude max3,728 ft
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Altitude start2,502 ft
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Altitude end2,831 ft
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Grade0.1%
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Grade max-21%
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Grade min45.7%
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Distance climb23 miles
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Distance down16 miles
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Distance flat4 miles
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Avg time06:03:56
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Avg reverse time08:27:53
- view trail stats
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
- < 2 days
- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 6 months
- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
- Description
- Photos
- Description & Photos
- Videos
- most popular
- popular
- less popular
- not popular
- mountain biking recent
- mountain biking (>6 month)
- hiking (1 year)
- moto (1 year)
- Downhill Ski
- Backcountry Ski
- Nordic Ski
- Snowmobile
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SaveAcheron Road Trail Reports
Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail
- 0 rides
- 0 rides
- 3 rides
- Last: Apr 25, 2025
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St James Conservation Area
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