Molesworth Access via Acheron Road

There will be a possum control operation in the area between 18 October 2021 and 31 August 2022 to eliminate the risk of bovine TB spreading in domestic stock.

The operation covers 12,271 hectares, broken into three sections, between Lake Tennyson and the Molesworth Homestead.

Traps and bait stations will be used in the area, and there is a risk from secondary poisoning. Poison warning signs will be in place and maintained throughout the operation. 

For further information contact Excell by phone 0508 392 355 or email office@excellcorp.co.nz.

First published on 14 October 2021. Last reviewed on 19 January 2022.

Due to ongoing repair works following the storms in July 2021, access through the Awatere Valley Road is closed to the public.

Check the Marlborough District Council website for road status updates or public information map. 

The Acheron Road through Molesworth is open but can only be reached from the southern end, via Hanmer Springs.

Refer to Marlborough District Council updates throughout the holiday period. But  while repair work continues there is no northern entry or exit through the Awatere Valley – all road users must return via Hanmer Springs.

Molesworth Cob Cottage campground at the end of the road is around 85 km of gravel road from Hanmer Springs. There are no re-fuelling options or charging stations for EVs or e-bikes.

First published on 8 October 2021. Last reviewed on 11 January 2022.

Contractors will be undertaking wilding conifer control work via a combination of aerial (helicopter) and ground based teams in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve. 

Map of the wildling conifer control operation area (PDF, 6,941K) 

Aerial Basal Bark Application (ABBA) will commence at the end of October with helicopters coming and going as the weather conditions allow.

Ground control has started in Maukuratawhai near Hanmer Springs with crews starting later in the season at Alma Tarndale and Saxton.

Boom spraying in Maukuratawhai will happen at any time between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022 and is dependent on suitable weather conditions. Similarly, boom spraying in Alma Tarndale will happen any time from 5 January 2022 to 28 February 2022.

First published on 28 October 2021.

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