molesworth station tours blenheim

• Small Group Tours
• Cycle Tours
• Private Tours

• Golden Bay Geological Gems Tour
• Bluff Oyster Festival & Stewart Island
• Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour
• Molesworth and Upper West Coast Tour
• Central Otago in Autumn Tour
• Stewart Island and Catlins Tour
• Hurunui Art & Garden Tour
• Canterbury Foothills and Rivers Tour
• More tours...

• Molesworth Station Cycle Tour
• Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Tour
• Private Tours Customise your own tour 4 Day (3 night) Scenic Tour 3 Day (2 night) Scenic Tour
• 4WD Tours 4WD Molesworth Station Tag-along Tour 4WD Molesworth Tour Lead Vehicle Seat 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tag-along Tour 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tour Lead Vehicle Seat North Otago 4WD Tag-along Tour

Summer Alpine Flowers Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour

• Twin/Share Room
• Single Room Occupancy

Proceed Booking

Already a member, don't have an account create one., or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, tour details.

Discover the rich pioneering history and amazing scenery of Molesworth Station nestled in the heart of North Canterbury and Marlborough landscapes. A chance to spend time in Blenheim and Kaikoura and see for yourself the new spectacular coastline of the east coast of the South Island. Time to relax in Hanmer Springs, enjoy picnic lunches in the high country, see rare alpine plants in flower, historic cob buildings, fabulous, varied scenery from the mountains to the sea. Staying and visiting attractions in Blenheim and Kaikoura, including a scenic whale watch flight. Tour starts and finishes in Christchurch, don’t miss out.

Departure & Return Location

Christchurch

Departure Time

Price includes.

• 3 nights’ accommodation
• 3 breakfasts
• 3 evening dining experiences
• 2 Picnic style lunches
• Molesworth Station Tour Western side to Rainbow Station boundary
• Omaka Aviation Museum entry
• Molesworth Station Tour of Eastern side to Blenheim
• Historic Fyffe House visit Kaikoura
• Kaikoura Scenic Whale Watch Flight

Day 1 Christchurch to Hanmer

Pick up from Christchurch at 8.00am. Today we journey to North Canterbury and the alpine township of Hanmer Springs. We will explore the western side of Molesworth Station and St James Station. See the historic woolshed and blacksmith shop before stopping at Lake Tennyson for a cuppa, enjoy the natural alpine plants growing in this picturesque setting.

We will stop at Fowlers Hut, see the rabbit proof fence of old, drive over Island Saddle to the boundary of Rainbow Station. We will have a picnic lunch at Sedgemere Tarn before returning to Hanmer for the night an enjoyable meal out . L. D

Day 2 Molesworth Station to Blenheim

Today we will explore the eastern side of Molesworth Station with a visit to the historic Acheron Accommodation House with time to look around and have a cup of tea at Pig Trough Corner, see how the pioneers lived in this wonderfully preserved large cobb building, before enjoying a picnic lunch. We will cross the Guide River, and follow the cattle drovers’ route through Isolated Flat, recounting tales of old characters that made this area their home.

We will drive up and over Wards Pass to be able to view the Station operations hub, view the original Molesworth two room cobb cottage. We will continue our journey through the Awatere Valley, while stopping at various vantage points, e.g., Hodder Bridge, on our way to Blenheim, where we will enjoy an overnight stay. B. MT. L. D.

Day 3 Blenheim to Kaikoura

After breakfast we visit the amazing Omaka Aviation Museum, before starting our journey along the beautiful coastline, with mountain and sea views stopping for lunch along the way making the most of the magnificent views and places of interest.

Tonight, we will stay in Kaikoura and enjoy a meal on the waterfront at The Pier Restaurant, which is an iconic nineteenth century character hotel – famous for the freshest seafood and Kaikoura crayfish. B. D.

Day 4 Kaikoura to Christchurch

We start the day with a delicious café breakfast, before visiting the historic Kaikoura Fyffe Cottage Museum, home to an early whaler.

Then enjoy your own window seat in a fixed wing plane for a spectacular whale-watching and scenic flight over the sperm whales and dolphins in Kaikoura’s stunning marine environment. Have a bite to eat outside of Kaikoura before our drive to Christchurch. We travel via the inland Kaikoura route, as we weave through the small regional North Canterbury towns. Drop off in Christchurch at the end of your tour. B.

Related Tours

3 Day (2 night) Scenic Tour

4WD Molesworth Station Tag-along Tour

Cate crombie.

I have to say it was an amazing trip and I might have to acknowledge that Geoff’s knowledge of where the various farm boundaries were and are, the people who owned the farms and worked there, what mountain points we were looking at and history etc gave such a great depth of background, as did the notes, as that sort of information always gives another dimension to visiting a new place.

DRIFTWOOD ECO TOURS

MOLESWORTH TOUR - High Country Station  

4 Day Molesworth Station Tour North Canterbury/Marlborough, South Island, NZ

PER TOUR TO SEDDON SCHOOL GARDEN

Experience the heart of rural New Zealand, and those who live there. Embrace warm hospitality, rich heritage and natural splendor as you explore the high country and coastal farms and gardens at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.

Join us on a 4-day adventure into the hearts and lives of rural New Zealand.  M eet the locals and hear intriguing stories as you explore one of New Zealand's most iconic heritage farms.

Combine this amazing environment with our friendly and experienced tour guides and a great group of people, all sharing similar interests.

All accommodation, transport and meals are organised for you.

Tour Highlights

Meeting local farming families

See farming in action

Photo opportunities along the way

No driving, just sight seeing

Autumn colours

Small group (8 max)

Stories from your guide and experienced driver

Lovely time of the year to travel

You can spend a few days in the Marlborough wine province either side of your tour.

Experience the real New Zealand

2 experienced tour guides on each tour, so we can personalize your experience for you.

Tour Departure Dates:

Monday 27th March 2023

Depart: Blenheim between

8.00-8.30 am

It is suggested to book early to

avoid disappointment.  

Tour Price:

NZ$3,350 per person

Twin share. Due to the nature of rural accommodation, single supplement is not available.

Group Size:

8 + 2 Driftwood Guides

Tour Duration:

3 nights, 4 days

Ten seater Hiace 4x4 van with covered luggage trailer.

Accommodation:

Because of the nature or where we travel, our accommodation is comfortable but limited.Therefore if you are a solo traveller, you will be asked to share a bedroom and bathroom on the first and third nights.

Night 1, 4 bedroom farm quarters, shared bathroom, twin share. Night 2, private unit at motel in Hanmer Springs.

Night 3, Private lodge in Kaikoura township, own bathroom, twin share.

0800 708 844

Meet new friends, try new things.

Request a Copy of the Tour Itinerary 

Would you love to know more about this tour? Fill out the form below and we'll send you a detailed tour itinerary direct to your inbox.

Thanks, we'll be in touch shortly!

"Unforgettable, memorable, quite laid back but at same time completely organised."

Ngaire Marwood

Tour Inclusions:

All accommodation and meals, (does not include alcoholic beverages).

Pick up in the Blenheim area, just let us know where you are staying. We can make recommendations.

All fees and passes we pay to our rural hosts and the Department of Conservation. (You will need to pay for the hot pool).

Guided tour of Flaxmere Garden

For each Molesworth tour we give $300 to the Seddon School for its vegetable garden development. 

Travel with peace of mind, we do our very best to reduce our impact on climate change by donating to the establishment of native forest at Puhi Peaks conservation reserve in Kaikoura, the only nesting site of the Huttons shearwater.  

Please Note: You are welcome to bring your own wine, however any empty bottles must also be packed out.

Other Details

Do you need help with organising transport, flights or travel insurance for your tour? We can refer you to a person who can organise your travel and travel insurance before and after your tour. Just let us know how as early as possible.

We are committed to keeping everyone safe, including the people we visit. To achieve this we have put in place a Covid 19 code of practice. Please read this here .

Want to create your own private tour? Talk to us about creating a completely customised personal tour for you, your partner, family or friends. We would love your dreams become reality. 

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

CLICK HERE TO READ OUR LATEST NEWS LETTER 

©2022 Driftwood Eco Tours Est. 2004 | Kaikōura, South Island, New Zealand | Privacy Policy

Sustainable Small Group Guided Eco Tours of the South Island - Connecting You With Rural NZ

Website created by Studio Blue Creative and managed by Innovate Digital

• [email protected]
• (09) 478 1462

Molesworth Station and Heli-Whales

Molesworth high country station. 45min helicopter whale watching flight with mountain landing. guided tour of omaka aviation heritage, tour itinerary:.

Departure Dates:

Tour inclusions:.

• Door to Door Coach Transport
• Auckland to Blenheim. Kaikoura Helicopter Whale-Watching Christchurch to Auckland
• 4 nights Twin Share Accommodation
• 4x Breakfasts. 1x Lunch 4x Dinners
• Omaka Aviation Heritage Guided Tour Molesworth Station Full Day Tour Godley Head Heritage Site Guided Tour

Tour Gallery:

Explore more upcoming tours, world of wearable arts – wow2 tour.

Features WOW Platinum Seats (best seats in house). Weta Workshop Tour. Wellington Sightseeing. Drive around Miramar Peninsula. Fly Auckland/Wellington/Auckland.

Fiji 4-Night Cruise plus Luxury Resort Tour

Features Four-Night Yasawa Island Cruise. Three-Night Luxury Denarau Island Resort. Fiji Sightseeing. Auckland International Airport Terminal Hotel

Great Barrier Island #2 – 4 Days Tour

Features Sightseeing and Port FitzRoy Cruise. Amazing cafes and restaurants. Glenfern Sanctuary. Orama Community. Fly to/from the island.

Great Barrier Island #1 – 5 Days Tour

Features Beachfront Resort. Sightseeing. Port Fitzroy Cruise. Amazing Cafes and Restaurants. Glenfern Sanctuary. Orama Community. Fly to/from the island.

Hobbiton ‘Second Breakfast’ Tour

Features Luxury Lakeside Hotel. Seabird Coast Fish 'n Chips. Tour through the 12 acre Hobbiton movie set, finishing with a Millhouse breakfast spread fit for a hobbit.

2024 World of Wearable Art Show – WOW3 Tour

Features Fly Auckland to Wellington. WOW Platinum seats (best seats in the house). Wellington Sighseeing. Drive around Miramar Peninsula. Northern Explorer Train to Hamilton.

Molesworth Station Day Tour

Months of operation.

Molesworth Station offers abundant opportunity to experience natural environments, rural lifestyles and natural history that few people get to experience. Discover the magnificent scenery, unique plant life and the fascinating stories. Molesworth is located 120 km west of Blenheim, the size of Stewart Island at 486,000 acres in size. Discover Molesworth Station New Zealand’s largest high country cattle station and the majestic South Island high country scenery. Enjoy the wonderful historical commentary about the early pioneers, modern day farming and see where the first settlers lived in this remote landscape. Great photographic opportunities around every corner.

Visit our website Offsite Link

• {{nav.Name}}
• {{tag.Name}}

{{state.category != 'rec' ? state.category + ' Christchurch' : 'Recommended for you'}}

Recommended for you.

No results found, please try another search.

0">{{places.length }} results found for "{{activeSearchQuery}}"

{{place.Title}}

{{place.SynopsisDescription | striphtml | truncate(37, '...')}}

No results found, please try another filter.

{{displayedListing.Title}} to {{selectedGoogleLocation.Title}}

{{displayedlisting.title}}, share this page.

• Explore More

{{place.Description | striphtml | truncate(37, '...')}}

This site uses cookies to provide you with the best experience. By continuing to use this site you consent to our use of cookies. Find out more in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

• GO TRAVEL NEW ZEALAND
• Latest Edition
• Archived Magazines
• Digital Subscriptions
• Print Subscriptions
• NORTH ISLAND
• Bay of Islands
• Bay of Plenty
• Kāpiti Coast
• SOUTH ISLAND
• Marlborough
• Nelson Tasman
• South Canterbury
• Invercargill
• Mt Cook/MacKenzie
• Lake Wanaka
• Central Otago
• Clutha Catlins
• Stewart Island
• CHATHAM ISLANDS
• Chatham Islands
• VIEW AT YOUR PLEASURE
• WHAT'S FRESH?
• Newsletter Signup
• Points of contact
• Why advertise with us?
• Advertisers Kit
• Pay Advertising Fees

Molesworth Tours

Activities - Marlborough New Zealand

Discover NZ's largest cattle farm, hear the history, and see off the beaten track magnificent back country scenery. Guided day tours available from Blenheim all year round (2 person min). Overnight heritage tours also available, a guided cycle tour is a special way to see the NZ backcountry. Multiday tours to the West Coast of the South Island

• Details  
• Rates  
• Location  
• Reviews  

Molesworth High Country Day Tour

Experience morning tea in a fine clip Merino wool shed, and enjoy a picnic lunch at the Molesworth cob cottage as part of your tour. Learn about the history and characters that helped develop Molesworth Station and enjoy a day in the wide open spaces breathing the fresh mountain air and soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the beautiful of Marlborough high country. Visitors to Marlborough have been discovering the magic of Molesworth Station with our boutique tour company for the past twenty years. Our tour commentary will allow you to appreciate a new found respect for New Zealands pioneering and farming heritage. Your heart will be inspired when you discover the spirit of Molesworth Station, Our tours are designed to start and finish in Blenheim and we will pick you up from your door. We have done all the planning so you can relax and enjoy your day in the high country.

Two Day Molesworth Station Tour

Discover NZ's largest cattle farm, hear the history, local stories and see off the beaten track magnificent high country scenery. Visit an isolated sheep and cattle farm for morning tea before reaching Molesworth Station, overnight in Hanmer Springs thermal resort village. See unique alpine plants, the beauty of Lake Tennyson and the rugged Rainbow Station. Tour starts and finishes in Blenheim top of the South Island.

Upper Westcoast Tour

Enjoy exploring some of the out of the way treasures of the upper west coast of the south island. Visit the lost world of Oparara Basin limestone caves with two nights to relax in Karamea. Experience the natural beauty of the West Coast with interesting short walks, a guided tour of Denniston, Pancake Rocks, meet some locals who still operate a gold stamping press, Experience the scenic Trans Alpine rail trip from Lake Moana to Christchurch. A fabulous six day/six night guided tour with a superb variety of activities accommodation and great dinning each evening that will leave you in love with the West Coast. Tour includes most meals and all accommodation during your tour, it starts in Blenheim or Nelson and finishes in either Christchurch or Blenheim. We recommend arriving in Blenheim the day before your tour or arriving around mid-day in Nelson on the first day of this tour, we will make arrangements to collect you to start the tour.

Molesworth 4 Day Guided Cycle Tour

Enjoy biking in the beautiful Marlborough High Country, meeting local farmers is a special part of this guided tour, all meals and comfortable accommodation included. Stay in Hanmer Springs and Nelson Lakes where there is spas available.Coming on a guided cycle tour through Molesworth Station is a safe and hassle free way to experience this remote and special part of NZ. The tour is for four days and includes all your meals and accommodation, and a friendly local driver/ guide who is never far away from you. Meeting local high country farming families is a special component of our tours that will make your cycle through the Awatere Valley, Molesworth and Rainbow Stations even more unique and memorable. Group or individual bookings welcome.

• Minimum number two people $220 per person
• Twin/share room rate $815 per person
• Single room occupancy rate $890 per person
• Twin/ share accommodation rate $2287 per person
• Single room occupancy rate $2727
• Twin/share accommodation rate $1460 per person
• Single room occupancy rate $1610 per person
• Bike Hire is an extra $150 comes with use of a cycle helmet, high vis safety vest, handle bag carrier bag.

Just wanted to say we have really had a fabulous time on your cycle trip It's been the most awesome cycling ( despite us being rather slow) And we have really appreciated the great people that Geoff and Peter are and are grateful for their care, stories and humour. It's also been illuminating and quite amazing meeting the people who live and work in the valleys : totally eye opening. I seriously will be back next year with the family. Chern. Four Day Cycle Tour March 2014

Keyword Tags

day tours Blenheim , South Island High Country Tours , back country tours NZ , Molesworth Station Tours , Marlborough tours , West Coast Tours

You May Also Like

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Looking for deals

Mt Tapuaenuku Awatere Valley

Molesworth Station Day Tour

65 Willowside Place , Amberley , New Zealand .

Discover Molesworth Station New Zealand’s largest high country cattle station with majestic South Island scenery. Enjoy the wonderful historical commentary, modern day farming and land use and visit and see where the first settlers lived.

Pricing and Conditions

Molesworth Station offers abundant opportunity to experience natural environments, rural lifestyles and natural history that few people get to experience. Discover the magnificent scenery, unique plant life and the fascinating stories. Molesworth is located 120 km west of Blenheim, the size of Stewart Island at 486,000 acres in size. Discover Molesworth Station New Zealand’s largest high country cattle station and the majestic South Island high country scenery. Enjoy the wonderful historical commentary about the early pioneers, modern day farming and see where the first settlers lived in this remote landscape. Great photographic opportunities around every corner.

Opening times

Open in larger map

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Find similar things to do in the Christchurch - Canterbury region

Find a place to stay in the christchurch - canterbury region.

The content on this page was created by Molesworth Station Day Tour

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

Amazing Photos

Get off the beaten trail and explore the amazing scenic locations that have made New Zealand famous. Your guide will stop and give you time to capture the perfect photos of your journey!

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Hotel Pickups

We pickup from every major hotel and motel and return you to your accommodation at the end of the tour

Professional Guides

Professional English speaking Live Guide

Molesworth Station Tour

Join Hassle-free Tours to visit one of New Zealand's most iconic and famous high country stations, Molesworth station.

Book Now Read more

Tour Photos

Tour Overview

Join Molesworth Tours to visit one of New Zealand's most iconic and famous high country stations, Molesworth station.

Molesworth Station is arguably New Zealand's most famous high country station. It is an area which is rich in history, has outstanding natural features, and a stunning and dramatic landscape.

At 180,476 hectares (approx. 500,000 Acres) roughly the same size as Stewart Island it is New Zealand's largest farm. Today it is owned by the Department of Conservation and the farming operation is managed by Landcorp.

Sit back, relax and let one of Molesworth Tours professional tour guides take you on a Journey into this remote and stunning part of New Zealand in one of our 4x4 off-road buses which are fully air conditioned and have large windows for fantastic viewing. Throughout the tour you will enjoy a fun and informative commentary from one of our Kiwi guides.

The opportunity to visit this New Zealand icon is not to be missed.

Tour Description

Molesworth Heritage Day Tours; Departs Hanmer Springs and travel into the Clarence Valley and pass through the locked gate to access the Acheron Valley. Visit the 150 year old Acheron Cob Homestead for a cuppa and then follow the Acheron River north, passing grazing cattle and the numerous bird life making the most of the daylight hours in this amazing and unequalled landscape of mixed flora and fauna. The native flowers are a real treat through this area. Into the Awatere Valley and onto the famous Molesworth Homestead area nestled under the Kaikoura mountain range where it makes the ideal stop for a picnic lunch and refreshments at the Old Molesworth Cottage. After lunch we then head into the Saxton, Muller and Tarndale country with its ever changing vista of growth, colour and climate before descending down the historic and rugged Jollies Pass Road to Hanmer Springs and time to reflect on an unique journey back in time over NZ's largest farm.

Tour Highlights

• Entertaining and informative commentary from your professional tour guide.
• 4WD coaches with air conditioning, satellite phone, intercom, large tinted windows & plenty of head room designed for passenger comfort.
• Professional audited safety plan.
• Department Of Conservation approved Operator.
• Time to stretch your legs and take photographs and yes there are toilets available.
• Accommodation pickup and drop off.

Tour Details

• $275 per person includes Picnic lunch and refreshments.
• Departs Hanmer Springs at 8.00am
• Returns approx 4.30 pm
• Tours available from October through until mid May with some of the best times to visit Molesworth being the Spring and the Autumn.

If you are interested in booking this tour you can find more infomation about our Molesworth Station Tours on our dedicated website molesworth.co.nz .

Please note that this tour will not be operating from the 24th December 2020 - January 12th 2021. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and look forward to seeing you soon.

Book Your Tour

Popular tours.

Check out some of the other amazing day tours we have to offer!

Erewhon Station Tour

Glenfalloch station tour, alpine safari, 4wd jetboat, waipara wine tour, lord of the rings edoras tour.

Station Facts

Molesworth station.

It is located inland of Blenheim, between the Inland Kaikoura mountains to the east where lofty Mt Tapeanuku, highest mountain outside of the Southern alps, which dominates the views standing proud at 2,885 metres. The western boundary skirts the mighty Wairau River, with the popular alpine Hanmer Hot Spring Resort to the South.

In the past Molesworth Station was closed to the public for many years, recently the New Zealand Department of Conservation has taken ownership on behalf of the NZ government. Having a DOC concession our company has been able to develop a comprehensive range of tours to offer our guests, from October to May so we are delighted to bring you exclusive entry to parts of this unique and remote region where the topography varies from River Valleys to towering Mountains with shingle screes that seem to disappear to the sky, at 900 metres to over 1,554 metres, with frosts two days out of every three.

The summer wild flowers are a special treat from December to March. From December on, there also is new life being introduced to the station with new born calves with their proud mothers scattered along the side of road grazing the long grasses beside bubbling side creeks, rushing river systems that wind to the coast.

Mountain Lakes or Tarns dot the landscape, with Lake Tennyson being the Jewel in the Crown. A beautiful crystal blue lake with a back drop of the Southern Alps. There are also old historic buildings with their rich history making Molesworth Station a special place in our history.

Molesworth comprises of three stations, all owned by the Crown – Molesworth, Tarndale and St Helen’s. Collectively they once ran 95,000 sheep but their close grazing, along with millions of rabbits, and a very severe climate, denuded the grass and native plant cover of the properties.

Drastic intervention was required, and Manager Bill Chisholm sold the sheep, switched to cattle and spread poisoned carrots by air to reduce rabbit numbers.

Aerial top dressing of red clover, cocksfoot and fertiliser also assisted the recovery and along with fencing and careful stock management, the property improved.

While limited public access is now permitted in summer, we are delighted to bring you exclusive entry to parts of this beautiful region through our range of tours .

Multi Day Tours

Find out more about our Multi Day Tours

Molesworth Tours runs a great selection of multi day tours for groups, travel agents and tour companies. We can organise airport pick up and drop offs with alot of our multi day tours starting from Christchurch, our multi day tours utilise our range of exciting day tour as well as a great range of our parent company tours, Hassle-free Tours

• Molesworth Station Tour
• Rainbow Station Tour
• Woodchester Station Tour
• Erewhon Station Tour
• Lake Heron and Glenfalloch Station Tour
• Longbeach Estate Tour
• 4x4 Jetboat Adventure
• Banks Peninsula Tour

We can also custom design tours to suit your requirements, accommodation can either be in Christchurch, Methven or Hanmer Springs and we also have some on station accommodation options. Our current range of multi day tours range from 2 days to 8 days.

Feel free to Contact Us to discuss your multi day tour requirements.