Acheron Road

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.