Molesworth Query (Rainbow Track)

[Hamesie]

I'm interested in driving the Rainbow track from Hanmer to St Arnaud in January and was wondering how intense the road is. Do I need a truck with a lift kit and a snorkel or will most standard 4WD's get through okay?

If anyone can provide any info it would be greatly appreciated!

[Mehrts]

You can pretty much take a car through if it has good ground clearance. There's a few small water crossings, but the biggest thing is the approach/departure angle which in reality is nothing. A stock 4wd will be able to handle the Molesworth with no worries. Just make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and the proper equipment just in case things potentially go pear shaped.

Just check with DOC to double check the route is open as they can close it if weather permits or something else happens.

[derk]

was just an endless dusty gravel road full of potholes when I last did it 8 years ago it was pretty tame in the 4wd sense (but still a great trip ), I did it late afternoon/evening it was much cooler and no dust following other vehicles

[Hamesie]

I searched for ages on the net for this answer and you guys answered it straight away. Cheers guys!

[Mehrts]

No worries. That's what forums like this are for

I was last round the Molesworth area at Easter this year, just before they closed the gates for the winter.

[Mud Camper]

I took a hilux camper through the Rainbow Rd last spring. Big rain a week before had brought down heaps of rockslides across the road. As already mentioned, traction is no issue, but good ground clearance and entry and exit angles were needed to avoid sill and bumper damage.

It's a beautiful part of nz, so don't rush it. Really worth having a good look around.

There's also the Acheron Rd through there which many people seem to confuse with the Rainbow. That is just a dust gravel road which is closed in winter, and when there's a fire risk in summer. No 4x4 needed, just good door seals!

[Taz]

No worries. That's what forums like this are for

I was last round the Molesworth area at Easter this year, just before they closed the gates for the winter.

You can email/call and get them to send the key out off season too

[Mehrts]

True that. Probably just to keep the majority of people without a clue passing through in the winter and to prevent disturbance to stock during lambing season and whatnot.