Molesworth Route (Awatere Valley Road and Tophouse Road)

This route is one of New Zealand’s longest uninterrupted gravel roads that winds through the South Islands largest working station, the Molesworth. The area is stunning in any weather but if you catch it on a warm and bright sunny day the whole places comes to life and is just brilliant. An absolute must if you are adv touring New Zealand.

To help with road name confusion, the term Molesworth is the name of this particular route based on the station the road runs though, not the actual road name itself. Starting from the back of Hanmer and traveling north the name of the road you will be traveling is Tophouse Road that then turns into Awatere Valley Road.

Photo preview

The below photos take you from the intersection of Tophouse Road and Jollies Pass Road (from the back of Hanmer) through to the end of the road near Dashwood

Vehicle and Track Information

Access period

Due to both the road being subject to harsh weather and it is a working station, it is normally open to the public from late December till late April. The actual date can change year to year so calling DOC or checking their website to get the open dates is a wise option before planning your trip. To check the dates online go to the DOC website or call Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre:
Office: Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre
Phone: (03) 521 1806

Access Permission

Access does not require permission inside the open periods

Access Cost

Access is free

Grade

Grade 1

Vehicle exclusions

Campervans and towing vehicles are not allow to travel this road

Terrain

Well maintained gravel road

Distance

167.58 km

Timeframe

Actual riding time one way is approximately 3 1/2 to 5 hours depending on riding style

GPS - GPX File Downloads

Download track

Download track file to your computer

Download 50 point

Download 50 point GPX file to your computer

Download 250 point

Download 250 point GPX file to your computer

GPS disclaimer

The highest level of care and attention has gone into ensure the GPS files are as accurate as possible however please be aware that all GPS files on www.adventureguide.co.nz are made publicly available on the basis of use at your own risk. www.adventureguide.co.nz has no legal responsibility for use or misuse of any GPS files supplied. It is your responsibility to adequately plan, prepare and keep yourself safe

Camping and General Facilities

Camping

There are a number of camp spots along the route, check the DOC information brochure for more info

Toilet facilities

No toilet facilities along this road other than the camp areas referenced above

Rubbish disposal

Not serviced for rubbish, please take ALL rubbish with you on departure

Cautions and Safety Information

Weather

The weather can turn very quickly in this area. Both night time and daytime temperatures can plummet without warning, make sure you are well prepared with the correct gear. Unscheduled rain can appear and come down with force, rivers can then rise to impassable levels within minutes. At high altitude snow is often a regular occurrence in winter time and can also occur in any season

Weather report

Weather report

Sandflies

Sandflies can be present in medium numbers, insect repellent is recommended