Molesworth High-Country Heritage Tour with MHS

Molesworth Station – Hanmer Springs – Rainbow Station High-Country Heritage Tour with Marlborough Historical Society

Saturday March 25th and Sunday 26th, 2023

This two-day Heritage Tour departs at 8 a.m. from Marlborough Museum, Brayshaw Heritage Park, on Saturday March 25th, with an overnight stay in Hanmer Springs. (Own arrangements, but don’t delay)

Join Historians Steve Bagley, John Orchard and Robin Cox, to learn about the History and Geography of these two iconic high-country stations. View High Country scenery, learn of the spectacular geology, visit cob buildings, hear the stories, and view the researched maps and photographs. We run this trip every 2 years, but alternate the direction. The last trip was in 2021.

You will need a reliable, high clearance 4WD or a seat in one to take part. It is possible that the Marlborough Historical Society Inc. can help to facilitate transport, but this is reliant on the co-operation of those with vacant seats in 4WD vehicles taking part.

Booking and costs:
1. Book by 6th March at Marlborough Museum (10 to 4pm daily) by paying $15 for each Marlborough Historical Society member, or $20 for those who are not members of the Society. However, Society membership is only $20 per annum, with many other benefits.
2. A fee of $50 per vehicle must also be paid on booking, to MHS, for the Rainbow Station charge.
3. Booking and payment of overnight accommodation in Hanmer Springs is the responsibility of those taking part. Don’t delay, as this is a popular destination.
4. Sufficient fuel is essential for all vehicles before starting this journey.
5. All other costs are the responsibility of the participants. Please bring with you funds for your, accommodation, food, etc.
6. Detailed trip notes and maps will be provided for each vehicle at the start of the trip.

Trip details:
- The trip departs Brayshaw Heritage Park carpark at 8am on Saturday March 25th.
- Proceed to Hanmer Springs via the Taylor Pass Ghost Town, The Jordan accommodation House, Awatere Faultline features, historic Molesworth cob cottage, the impressive DoC Information Kiosks, the Acheron Accommodation House, the Upper Clarence River, and Jacks Pass.
- We aim to be in Hanmer Springs by 6pm. Organise a takeaway meal and visit the hot pools.
- On Sunday March 26th, we meet in Hanmer at a designated spot and travel back to Blenheim via Jacks Pass, St James Station, Lake Tennyson, Lake Sedgemere, Island Pass, Rainbow Station, Dip Flat, Top House and the Wairau Valley.

The trip is very weather dependent. Those taking part will be contacted if road conditions or fire risk imposes a road closure.

Limited numbers. Bookings and full payments are required by March 6th, 2023.