A Department of Conservation road through an historic high country station in Marlborough is open to the public and the drive is free for the first time.
The Acheron Road through Molesworth station, which is New Zealand's largest farm, will remain open for six weeks, weather permitting.
In July control of Molesworth Station, which straddles Canterbury and Marlborough, was transferred to the DOC. The change in status to a reserve means access fees will no longer be charged. However, there are fees for overnight stays in the campsites.
Camping fees are $6 per adult and $1.50 per child per night. No open fires are allowed and portable cookers should be carried.
DOC spokesperson Colin Davis expects several thousand motorists to make the trip between Blenheim and Hanmer, which takes around six hours
"Molesworth is a very special place. At 180,476 hectares, it is New Zealand's largest farm. It also has outstanding natural features and a rich history. As a farm park, it combines farming, conservation and recreation in one vast area."
Anyone planning to make the road journey should first check that the road is open as it can close without warning due to weather conditions.
The road will be open until April 1 weather and road weather
conditions permitting.
