This classic tour has become something of a Bay Tours institution. The stunning scale and rugged beauty of Molesworth Station together with another neighbouring giant, Rainbow Station with its latticework of pristine lakes, is contrasted by the alpine tranquillity of the village of Hanmer Springs where we’ll be based. Another stark contrast to the impression of permanence at Molesworth can be seen when we visit Woodchester Station where the effects of the Kaikoura earthquake will astound you. A FREE DAY in Hanmer Springs itself allows you time to relax or explore this beautiful alpine village between our big station touring days.
Day 1: We depart Hawke’s Bay Airport this morning and head for Christchurch. There we’ll be met by our local guide, Ross Carter. Ross has been guiding visitors to this area for decades and his company, Molesworth Tours, has 40 years experience introducing people to the Molesworth and Rainbow back country and has been leading Bay Tours trips through the area for more than a decade. Ross will collect us from the airport and we’ll drive north towards Woodchester Station, east of Hanmer Springs and nestled in the shadow of the St James Range. Here the Kelly family will host us for lunch and show us some astonishing evidence of natures’ power which has transformed their lives forever. Later in the afternoon we make our way to Hanmer Springs and our superb centrally located base, the cozy Drifter’s Inn where hosts Adele and Andy MacLeod will look after us for the next four nights.
Day 2: Today we’re collected by Ross in a special 4WD mini-coach and we head over Jack’s Pass and into the Clarence Valley and Molesworth Station. We’ll visit iconic points on the massive station such at the 150yo Acheron Accommodation House, Isolated Flat with its hundreds of acres of rippling clover and tussock grass, and the main central homestead complex with its century old cob buildings. Cattle share the sides of the sparkling rivers with Canada Geese and Paradise Ducks. It’s difficult to prepare yourself for the sheer vastness and beauty of the place. Passing through sections of the Muller and Tarndale Stations on the way back, we descend back into Hanmer Springs again via the rugged Jollies Pass. A day heavy with memorable moments.
Day 3: There’s time to relax and reflect on yesterday as you have a FREE DAY in Hanmer Springs today. Explore this beautiful alpine village with its many bush walks, wander the tranquil grounds of the old Queen Mary Hospital with its historic buildings or enjoy a soak in the pristine thermal Hot Pools of the spa which gives the town its name. Tonight, we’ll dine together at the hotel.
Day 4: Today we’re back with Ross as we again climb Jack’s Pass but, this time, we head west up through the former St James Station and into the Spenser Range to Lake Tennyson. We’ll drive over Island Pass, the highest in the country at 1300 metres, before descending into Rainbow Station itself. Craggy beech-covered mountains sweep down to the boulder-strewn rivers that bisect the valleys. Remarkable for its transitioning landscapes, Rainbow Station is much smaller than Molesworth in area at a ‘mere’ 20,500 acres. Usually carrying around 14,000 head of stock – a mix of sheep and cattle this time – its diversity of terrain and climates has made its productivity legendary. What a contrast.
Day 5: We depart Hanmer Springs this morning and make our way back to Christchurch Airport but not before a visit to Iron Ridge Sculpture Park on the banks of the Waipara River. Here sculptor Raymond Herber has, over 20 years, transformed a former limestone quarry into a huge, stunning, exhibition space like no other. Then it is on to the airport where, after a late lunch, we catch our flight back to ‘the Bay’.
Molesworth and Rainbow Stations make up a land truly alive with the evocative atmosphere of stockmen and shepherds, dogs and drovers, slough hats and well-worn saddles. it is to get a glimpse of their way of life and to meet some of the people continuing the legacy.
Places on this tour are extremely limited so do not hesitate in securing your spot.
