Molesworth/Rainbow Roads

[Racing Dave]

The latest from DoC on these two roads is that while both are currently closed (Rainbow because of weather-related slips prior to the earthquake and Molesworth because of some damage to the DoC-controlled section but also due to a major slip on the Awatere Road north of Molesworth) it is expected that Molesworth will open to the public for a normal season of access in 'a couple of weeks' (DoC's words) while it is not known when rainbow will re-open. Both are currently being worked on, but I suspect that priority is being given to SH70 and SH1.

[whatastoner]

Thanks for the update.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

[Moi]

This might be of interest:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/nz-earthquake/86949154/digger-balances-on-top-of-slip-in-effort-to-repair-severed-road

[AllanB]

I had heard talk of the possibility of the Molesworth being turned into a new SH1 ....

Talk - but no doubt someone is thinking.

[Laava]

I had heard talk of the possibility of the Molesworth being turned into a new SH1 ....

Talk - but no doubt someone is thinking.

It has nz's highest public access rd saddle on it, partly why it is closed for much of the year. Then it gets closed due to fire risk in summer. So would be very temporary at best!

[Laava]

The latest from DoC on these two roads is that while both are currently closed (Rainbow because of weather-related slips prior to the earthquake and Molesworth because of some damage to the DoC-controlled section but also due to a major slip on the Awatere Road north of Molesworth) it is expected that Molesworth will open to the public for a normal season of access in 'a couple of weeks' (DoC's words) while it is not known when rainbow will re-open. Both are currently being worked on, but I suspect that priority is being given to SH70 and SH1.

Thanks mate, I am down there next week with plans to do both! Ha! Will find plenty other choice roads to do, maybe up the sounds rds?

[MD]

All this media talk of these two inland routes, Rainbow valley and Awatere Valley has caught my attention. Not that I have an adventure bike but curiosity is getting the better of me.

What are they like? How long does each ride take - from civilisation to civilisation. By civilisation I mean a place you can buy a flat white and petrol.

Neither look to be a shorter alternative to HW1 from Picton to Chch and for the estimated $4b to make them highway grade, well $4b would clear a hell of a lot more slips on HW1 than we currently have.

Be interested to hear from those that have ridden these and please post any pictures. The scenery from google maps looks...well bland to be honest. Sparse hills covered in tussock?

[Gremlin]

Here's some pics of the Rainbow (2012). It's pretty much typical remote back country. Some scrubland, other sections cut through rock cliffs and a few water crossings. Molesworth is easier as such, only small water crossings, whereas Rainbow has 6 mile creek which can be anything from low and easy through to impassable.

Being the high backcountry the weather is also subject to change quickly. It can go from hot and no wind to strong icy winds within the hour... Always travel prepared in such locations.

[Tazz]

All this media talk of these two inland routes, Rainbow valley and Awatere Valley has caught my attention. Not that I have an adventure bike but curiosity is getting the better of me.

What are they like? How long does each ride take - from civilisation to civilisation. By civilisation I mean a place you can buy a flat white and petrol.

Neither look to be a shorter alternative to HW1 from Picton to Chch and for the estimated $4b to make them highway grade, well $4b would clear a hell of a lot more slips on HW1 than we currently have.

Be interested to hear from those that have ridden these and please post any pictures. The scenery from google maps looks...well bland to be honest. Sparse hills covered in tussock?

Anywhere can look awesome on a good day in the right lighting.

It's not a non stop roller coaster of breath taking vistas, but isn't bad and is worth a jaunt to see for yourself and form your own opinion, like most of the planet.


https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10556429_1045627798787879_6827102477561123855_n.jp g?oh=d2d659d3a1068a12688e85965d52625c&oe=58AFDE4C

https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1476198_1045626865454639_8898159426913060155_n.jpg ?oh=a2db26df51accbc08d65c63baaae4cb1&oe=58B68C83

https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10404267_1045625025454823_1027153736857419646_n.jp g?oh=3093d29a5041cd345ae1744f215c669e&oe=58C39F94

[clint640]

It has nz's highest public access rd saddle on it, partly why it is closed for much of the year. Then it gets closed due to fire risk in summer. So would be very temporary at best!

Yep, it's just talk... The highest points on the Moleworth & Rainbow, at around 1100m & 1300m IIRC, are way higher than most of the NZ highway network. Having the main Picton - Chch route shut by snow for a large chunk of the winter might not be a goer.

When it's in good shape the Molesworth is easily do-able on a suitable road bike if you are comfortable on gravel. Met a bloke in Hanmer once who rode his SV1000 through quite often. Most of the tarmac bit going up the Awatere valley is actually damn good fun road riding too.

Cheers
Clint

[MD]

Thanks Gremlin and Tazz, those are nice pics and it really helps to see the quality of the road, as well as the terrain. I couldn't spot the local MacDonalds neon signs anywhere in the distance

You have serious knobblies! So I doubt the Zed on sports tyres would cut the mustard. I am keen to do this one day, maybe when an adventure bike resides in my garage. The new Africa twin has some appeal. I must test ride one someday.

[Laava]

Thanks Gremlin and Tazz, those are nice pics and it really helps to see the quality of the road, as well as the terrain. I couldn't spot the local MacDonalds neon signs anywhere in the distance

You have serious knobblies! So I doubt the Zed on sports tyres would cut the mustard. I am keen to do this one day, maybe when an adventure bike resides in my garage. The new Africa twin has some appeal. I must test ride one someday.

One of our guys is happy doing molesworth on his bandit, so see no reason why you couldn't do the molesworth, when open, on your z.

[Gremlin]

You have serious knobblies! So I doubt the Zed on sports tyres would cut the mustard. I am keen to do this one day, maybe when an adventure bike resides in my garage. The new Africa twin has some appeal. I must test ride one someday.
The joy of adventure riding. A well graded and compressed gravel road is quite easy for hitting 100kph+. Now follow a grader through the same road as it churns up ridges and creates a soft top surface and the odds of getting close to 100kph are slim...

With little rain a water crossing is like a paddling pool... After heavy rain you may be stranded...

[Night Falcon]

Thanks Gremlin and Tazz, those are nice pics and it really helps to see the quality of the road, as well as the terrain. I couldn't spot the local MacDonalds neon signs anywhere in the distance

You have serious knobblies! So I doubt the Zed on sports tyres would cut the mustard. I am keen to do this one day, maybe when an adventure bike resides in my garage. The new Africa twin has some appeal. I must test ride one someday.

theres no macca's up the Molly....yet :shifty: We are heading to Hanmer after Christmas. I want to go through Molesworth in the 4wd if its open but my Bride wants to go via Westcoast/Lewis cos that's her old stompin ground. google maps says its 8hrs vrs 4.5hrs from Blummin so the coast route is looking gooderer.

The AT would be an exceptional Molesworthy bike, KTM950/690 are pretty good too :Punk:

http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy337/SpeedDaddy/DSC08892.jpg

[neels]

Have been through rainbow from hanmer to st arnaud for lunch, and then across and back through the south end of molesworth.

Rainbow is quite varied, from good shingle road to track graded through the latest slips, and wide open, through forest and river valleys.

Molesworth equally fun, some flat good road and some track winding over hills, lots to stop and look at on the way.

[Racing Dave]

Here are a couple of photos from the Isolated Flat area.

[Gremlin]

Have been through rainbow from hanmer to st arnaud for lunch, and then across and back ...
Were you lunch for the sandflies, or did you try to eat your lunch before they did?

[MD]

There was a test ride article of the Africa Twin going through the Molesworth in the ChCh Press earlier this year done by the motorcycle reviewer.

Yeah I read that Paul Owen article. he did 3 stories, one on each model. The Africa Twin has some appeal but apparently still a heavy bike and the engine is dull for on road but perfect for off road use. I've been venturing on to more gravel out Wairarapa way lately, friend has a Scrambler and wants to explore more. The Zed is fine if you ride slow enough but there's little fun in doing that for long periods and any deep gravel I'm in the poo. Plus it ruins expensive sports tyres. Did the Catlins down south on it no trouble.

Being from the West Coast and Canterbury I'm keen to explore the likes of Molesworth/Rainbow one day. Areas you hear about but never get to see. Thanks guy for the pictures.

[neels]

Were you lunch for the sandflies, or did you try to eat your lunch before they did?
Had lunch sandfly free at the cafe, then went and looked at the lake long enough for the sandflies to get annoying.

There are a few of them up there.

[.chris]

Great to hear they should be open as normal, I am heading sound a bit before xmas and had hoped not to have to take the long way down to CHCH.

Anyone keen on going through north-to-south around the 21st/22nd Dec?

[F5 Dave]

Gee pics look enticing. Few of older mates got adventure bikes now. Can't really get away for longer rides while kids young and I'm still keen on decent trail riding. One day.

[BMWST?]

if you have ridden a road bike on a typical NZ gravel road without problems there is no reason why you cant do the molesworth.The only difference is its long and fairly narrow.Keep well left and apply some common sense re speed.The rainbow,on a good day is anly a bit rougher.On a bad day you may not get across stream or you may find a large shingle fan has covered the road.Oh and the man at the gate will want your $15 ?? per bike.You dont need an adventure bike for either,one might be preferable on the rainbow

[FJRider]

if you have ridden a road bike on a typical NZ gravel road without problems there is no reason why you cant do the molesworth.The only difference is its long and fairly narrow.Keep well left and apply some common sense re speed.The rainbow,on a good day is anly a bit rougher.On a bad day you may not get across stream or you may find a large shingle fan has covered the road.Oh and the man at the gate will want your $15 ?? per bike.You dont need an adventure bike for either,one might be preferable on the rainbow

Deciding if it's a good or bad day ... is usually done at the end of the day. The middle portions of either road is not a good time to find that bad could be the days end result. I doubt if AA rescue will patrol either road.

[BMWST?]

Deciding if it's a good or bad day ... is usually done at the end of the day. The middle portions of either road is not a good time to find that bad could be the days end result. I doubt if AA rescue will patrol either road.

the rainbowcan be dicey if the weather has been bad for days before.It would have to be really bad weather on the day.The Molesworth is much better.Given that the molesworth is only open over summer.....

[FJRider]

the rainbowcan be dicey if the weather has been bad for days before.It would have to be really bad weather on the day.The Molesworth is much better.Given that the molesworth is only open over summer.....

I've been over the Nevis valley road on a road bike on a good sunny day. Some streams were well washed out. Bigger heavier road bike would have to be lucky to get through.

Errors of judgement and (lack of) ability can do you more harm than a bad road.

[Tazz]

Thanks Gremlin and Tazz, those are nice pics and it really helps to see the quality of the road, as well as the terrain. I couldn't spot the local MacDonalds neon signs anywhere in the distance

You have serious knobblies! So I doubt the Zed on sports tyres would cut the mustard. I am keen to do this one day, maybe when an adventure bike resides in my garage. The new Africa twin has some appeal. I must test ride one someday.

You'd be fine on the Molesworth for sure mate. They keep it in very good condition.

Those knobblies are just for the region, not that road in particular ;)

[neels]

Just found some pics on a memory stick, was wondering where I'd put them when I brain dumped my old phone.

326638326639326640326641326642326643

[Bass]

Anyone keen on going through north-to-south around the 21st/22nd Dec?

Chris, wife and I on the Beemer cross on 21st and if it's open, would plan to do Molesworth en route to Invercargill on 22nd

[thepom]

if you stay in hamner the night at the old forest campsite the molly and bow can be enjoyed easily in a day including the two passes.

[Racing Dave]

if you stay in hamner the night at the old forest campsite the molly and bow can be enjoyed easily in a day including the two passes.

Kenny, stop trying to provoke me...

[thepom]

Sorry Dave.

I reckon you have sort of alarm that goes off when I misspell or use bad grammar !....so who do I call to find out if I can get access to Edwards and Malings pass tracks ? Just called Rangiora DoC on 033130820 and have confirmed you can get access to both of those tracks.....

[clint640]

It's a well kept secret ;) If you google 'maling pass access' this is the first link:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/st-james-conservation-area/motor-vehicle-access/

Cheers
Clint

[Cosmik de Bris]

Rode through there on my Z1 in the early 70s on one of the Pioneer Club's 3 day rallies. The road was controlled by the NZED in those days and wasn't really open to the public. Road bikes made it through OK and the NZED didn't really do much maintenance. Somebody rolled one of Tom Mcleary's Utes in there, but mostly the bikes were OK.

[cynna]

Sorry Dave.

I reckon you have sort of alarm that goes off when I misspell or use bad grammar !....so who do I call to find out if I can get access to Edwards and Malings pass tracks ? Just called Rangiora DoC on 033130820 and have confirmed you can get access to both of those tracks.....

cant make it next week but will make it xmas or ny week. might even stay in hamneR the night

[neels]

There is this bit as well, if you're there at the right time.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/molesworth-station/things-to-do/tracks/severn-to-sedgemere-4wd-road/

[cynna]

https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10208421345472573.1073741926.1274207902&type=1&l=00df3d2331

a few photos of the severn track

[Laava]

We were granted access on the 5th and went thru from St Arnaud end, but 45km or so in, big slip and despite hilarious attempt by one of our crew, it was a definite no go so we had to go back. Good day had by all but, going to be closed for a little bit longer.

[RMOTO]

We were granted access on the 5th and went thru from St Arnaud end, but 45km or so in, big slip and despite hilarious attempt by one of our crew, it was a definite no go so we had to go back. Good day had by all but, going to be closed for a little bit longer.

Hi Laava, do you have any photos of the slip?

[Laava]

I dont have a great one but will try to add it. You could get thru with light bikes, but probably need a few hands on standby, our smallest was a 650 transalp. Plus we had a ute with us. We were also aware that if we got past the slip, there could be another one to turn us back as well. Also, now that JT at rainbow stn is aware the road is blocked, he has closed it to everyone. Ringing DOC will be the best way to find out as they were aware of the slip while JT was not!

[Laava]

Wont name him here but this guy is a local bike shop owner who has vast experience punting a motocross bike around.

[young1]

https://web.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10208421345472573.1073741926.1274207902&type=1&l=00df3d2331

a few photos of the severn track

Great photos, thank you.

[.chris]

I guess this changes plans somewhat.... (from DOC website)


14 November 2016: Molesworth Recreation Reserve – earthquake damage
Molesworth Recreation Reserve will re-open on Friday 9 December following earthquake damage repairs.
Acheron RoadAcheron Road will only be open from the Hamner end through to Molesworth Cob campground. There is no access through Awatere Valley Road until further notice and vehicles will have to return through Hanmer.
Heavy machinery is still operating on the Acheron Road and visitors should expect delays and follow all safety instructions.

[thepom]

I ll be up there on Monday so might take a look see as I am doing the Edwards and Malings pass tracks......

[cynna]

I ll be up there on Monday so might take a look see as I am doing the Edwards and Malings pass tracks......

take yr epipen.....


im planning on doing the passes on 26 or 27 dec if anyone is keen

[Racing Dave]

I guess this changes plans somewhat.... (from DOC website)

]
14 November 2016: Molesworth Recreation Reserve – earthquake damage
Molesworth Recreation Reserve will re-open on Friday 9 December following earthquake damage repairs.
Acheron RoadAcheron Road will only be open from the Hamner end through to Molesworth Cob campground. There is no access through Awatere Valley Road until further notice and vehicles will have to return through Hanmer.
Heavy machinery is still operating on the Acheron Road and visitors should expect delays and follow all safety instructions.
[/COLOR]

FFS, now DoC are trying to provoke me...

[cynna]

FFS, now DoC are trying to provoke me...

ha - i bet no one else even noticed

[Moi]

FFS, now DoC are trying to provoke me...

Try NZTA (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/87549978/misspelled-road-sign-to-hanmer-springs-an-easy-mistake-to-make)...

[young1]

Is the Rainbow Road open now? I want to go through second week of February (although in a 4WD and not on the m bike).

[young1]

Bugger - I just found this;

Road Closed
18 January 2017

The road is currently closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding. This site will be updated when the road is open again for use.

[Transalper]

Yep, Rainbow still closed from the slips etc but 2 of 3 DOC webpages says Acheron Road is now open with access all the way through the Molesworth Hanmer to Blenheim, except one DOC web page appears to be not updated yet still says that's blocked too.

[young1]

Yep, Rainbow still closed from the slips etc but 2 of 3 DOC webpages says Acheron Road is now open with access all the way through the Molesworth Hanmer to Blenheim, except one DOC web page appears to be not updated yet still says that's blocked too.

Nice one, we are planning to go through one or the other on Waitangi Day

[MXNUT]

Yep, Good news Molesworth re opened yesterday

see link http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2017/road-access-to-molesworth-station-from-blenheim-reopens/

[young1]

Yep, Good news Molesworth re opened yesterday

see link http://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2017/road-access-to-molesworth-station-from-blenheim-reopens/

Good stuff thank you, we are going through week after next 😀😀

[Laava]

Mean! I am planning to trundle through there with the missus in a few weeks time! Going to kaikoura for a whale burger!

[vegeman]

Yay,

Am going down for the DB14K and I was dreading the thought of the tarmac detour...so this is a great way to get on with the adventure!!

[young1]

This is the reply that I got from DOC;


The Awatere Valley road is now open but people should drive with extreme care as there is still a lot of work to be done on this road.

The gates through the Molesworth Station are open from 7.00am to 7.00pm daily.

Enjoy your trip.

[vegeman]

This is the reply that I got from DOC;


The Awatere Valley road is now open but people should drive with extreme care as there is still a lot of work to be done on this road.

.

sounds even more exciting...and perfect for our bikes!!

[Transalper]

Rainbow is open now too.

Road Open
27 January 2017

The road is open however extreme caution is required and it is recommended that 4-wheel drive vehicles are used following heavy rainfall and shingle slips earlier this month.

http://rainbowstation.co.nz/rainbow-access/

[young1]

Rainbow is open now too.


http://rainbowstation.co.nz/rainbow-access/

Good news thank you, now we have a choice for next week!

[Laava]

Molesworth is in good nick! Went thru today and then down Jollies pass. One very tired and shaken up passenger! It is obvious where the road has been repaired but it has been done properly.

[MD]

I am so determined to do these two passes- one day soon. I flew Chch-Wgtn yesterday and the view from above heading north from Kaikoura looking down on the Awatere valley takes your breath away.

The new Kawasaki 300X twin looks ok to me for the job. Maybe in 2 years time when some come on the second hand market it will be time to do this.

[rustys]

Hi MD, Port Underwood Molesworth and Rainbow are great rides, there is also plenty of others around the top of the South Island as well. Hopefully get back down early next year and do a spot of trout fishing. www.remotemoto.com is a good site for South Island rides.