2 minute read
Cycle the Molesworth Muster Trail
BLENHEIM TO HANMER SPRINGS - 3-5 DAYS - 207KM
© AA Traveller 2021
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© AA Traveller 2021
Molesworth Station © Department of Conservation
Most riders start the 207km trail from Blenheim, taking the Taylor Pass Rd to the Awatere Valley, skirting the banks of both the Awatere River, and later, the Acheron River. Shifting between grassland and hillside, it’s not a technical ride, but at 207km, it’s lengthy. Some of the steeper inclines will give your thighs a good workout, too.
To compensate your aches, the scenery astounds. Waterfalls, cirque basins and tarns are etched from glaciers from previous ice ages, while the vegetation, especially in Clarence River Valley is a palette of colour. As you pass into Marlborough wine country, the route is littered with vineyards.
The ride finishes in the exotic spa town of Hanmer Springs, where a replenishing hot pool is exactly what your legs are begging for.
Molesworth sign in Awatere Valley © James Gilmour
RIDING THE TRAIL
Starting in Blenheim, head south from the i-SITE to reach the bridge where you can drop down to the shared walking and cycling path running alongside the Taylor River. Follow the Taylor river Trail south for approximately 8.5km (there are paths both sides and numerous bridges along the way as far as Taylor Dam. Turn right on to Taylor Pass Rd. Stay on this road, which travels up over Taylor Pass and down into the Awatere Valley.
Hang a right on to Awatere Valley Rd and follow your nose past some of Marlborough’s famous vineyards all the way up the valley and then through Molesworth Station.
Molesworth Station is a working farm, so please keep to the road. Leave gates as you find them and respect stock and property. Approaching Hanmer Springs you’ll come to a three-way junction at the top of Jacks Pass. If you’re keen for more cycling, you could always hang a right here onto the Rainbow Trail, a 112km cycle trail through to St Arnaud – you’ll want to restock supplies in Hanmer first, no doubt.
Heading left down Clarence Valley Rd, you’ll enjoy a long downhill into the Hanmer Springs township and the famous hot thermal springs, which will do much to help your recovery.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAIL
Sheep in Awatere Valley © Marlborough NZ
• Campsites such as historic Molesworth Cob Cottage (1866) and Acheron Accommodation House (1862) once served early travellers.
• Molesworth Rd is lonely but beautiful.
• Passing over Waiau Ferry Bridge which was opened in 1887.
• Enjoy a spot of fishing, bird watching or a splash in one of many swimming holes.
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa features over 14 mineral pools, waterslides and an indulgent menu of spa treatments. If one visit is not enough, stay overnight at Chalets Motel, a short walk from the pools.
