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43.7 miles
Distance
3,143 ft
Climb
-2,813 ft
Descent
06:03:56
Avg time
329 ft
Altitude change
2,300 ft
Altitude min
3,728 ft
Altitude max
2,502 ft
Altitude start
2,831 ft
Altitude end
0.1%
Grade
-21%
Grade max
45.7%
Grade min
23 miles
Distance climb
16 miles
Distance down
4 miles
Distance flat
06:03:56
Avg time
Acheron Road Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Gravel Bike
- Adaptive 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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Local Popularity40 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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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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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.
source: Molesworth Station brochure
Local Trail Association
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trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 1 rides
- 158.0 km avg distance
All
- 4 rides
- Last: Jun 9, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Acheron Road Trail Reports
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- Prevalent Mud
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Directions to acheron-road trailhead
(-42.462840, 172.889560)
Photos
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Videos
2 more »
22:28 |
168 |
Feb 6, 2024 , Hanmer Springs
15:30 |
408 |
Jan 3, 2021 , Hanmer Springs
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Nearby Trails
- Top House Rd 154 ft
- Fir Trail 6 miles
- Mullins Road 6 miles
- Jolliffe Road (east) 6 miles
- Upper Dog Stream 6 miles
St James Conservation Area
- By YogiNZ & contributors
- #32235 - 3,410 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Acheron Road
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Where is Acheron Road located?
Acheron Road is located in St James Conservation Area, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand. It is part of the St James Conservation Area trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -42.46284, 172.88956.
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What is the elevation gain for Acheron Road?
Acheron Road has 958 m of elevation gain. The trail has 858 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 701 m to 1,136 m.
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Is Acheron Road a point to point trail?
Acheron Road is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
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How long is Acheron Road?
Acheron Road is 70.3 km long. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
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