One of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, Awatere Valley Road, Acheron Road and Molesworth Station form an inland route between Blenheim and Hanmer Springs through the largest farm in the country.

This is a dry and dramatic landscape.

I did it in a 2WD Toyota Corolla in late March 2025, which was just about possible (see toward the end for a near disaster) but a 4WD would be a much better option. There was more sealed road than expected on Awatere Valley Road, but most of the six hour drive is on gravel road. This was generally surprisingly smooth, but quite rutted in places on the Acheron Road in the Molesworth Station, and the final section to Hanmer Springs was badly potholed in places.

Acheron Road is open 7am to  7pm from the 1st of October 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. During winter the landscape is often blanketed with snow. The adventure started 22km south of Blenheim, turning right off SH1 inland on Awatere Valley Road, following the Awatere River. There was a dramatic play of light and shade ahead.

This is prime wine growing land, with the road passing many vineyards. Stopping above one provided great views of the Awatere Valley.

It was such a beautiful drive that I stopped often to try and capture the landscape.

There aren’t really any lay-bys to stop at but the road was quiet of traffic.

There are a couple of public toilets along the way, with one by this bridge.

The scenery was incredible.

After 100km and four hours I reached Molesworth Cob Cottage, an historic building used for a variety of purposes since being built in 1866.

From here the short Molesworth Homestead Lookout Track provided good views of the surrounding landscape.

And of the still working farm buildings. The station is the largest in New Zealand at 180,787 hectares, and supports the country’s biggest herd of beef cattle, up to 10,000 over winter.

Heading through Molesworth Station the stunning views continuing, including from Wards Pass, which at 1,145m is the highest point on this road trip.

The road continues through the atmospherically named Isolated Flat and over Isolated Saddle.

Pig Trough Suspension Bridge was reached by a small detour off the main road, temporarily blocked by a 4WD drive that had got a puncture. The bridge was built in the 1960s to access power lines across the Guide River, and is the only one of the original four to have survived.

By now I was on the home stretch and looking forward to heading over Jacks Pass and into Hanmer Springs to visit the excellent hot pools. Unfortunately after around 150km of easier than expected driving conditions this changed trying to cross a near dry ford. The gravel was incredibly loose and my car didn’t get far before getting totally stuck…

Digging out the front wheels and using props didn’t succeed. Thankfully a well equipped campervan wasn’t far behind and was able to help tow the car out. Car rescue services may not be available along this road so I was lucky, though it is a reasonably well used road.

The second attempt at crossing thankfully was successful, applying more speed and taking a better line. It was quite stressful, but thankfully resolved within half an hour and lots of lessons were learnt…

The worst road, full of potholes, was toward the end, but offered great views of Hanmer Springs in the distance.