Molesworth / Inland Scenic Route Dispersed Camping (Marlborough, NZ)
Molesworth Station covers over 180,000 hectares in the Marlborough and Canterbury high country — the largest farm in New Zealand and a genuinely remote 4WD corridor. The Acheron Road / Inland Scenic Route cuts through it, and DOC permits dispersed camping at designated areas along the Clarence River and in the open tussock basins. The landscape is wide-open, wind-scoured, and unlike anything else in NZ — no crowds, no hype, just river flats and red tussock hills running to the horizon.
The road is seasonal — it typically opens in late November and closes around Easter, depending on conditions. River crossings are real, not decorative. DOC manages access and requires a free permit/booking for the camping areas during the open season. Check the DOC Marlborough office well ahead; the route does fill on summer weekends. High-clearance 4WD strongly recommended.
NZ's biggest station — empty high country.
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Blenheim, Marlborough |
| Miles from pavement | 45 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Best season | November-April |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | Yes — Permit info |
| Amenities | Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |