Molesworth Station

Molesworth Station is New Zealand’s largest high country station, covering almost half a million acres (185,000 hectares).

It is located inland of Blenheim, between the Inland Kaikoura mountains to the east where lofty Mt Tapeanuku dominates the views standing proud at 2885 metres. The western boundary skirts the mighty Wairau River, with the popular alpine Hanmer Hot Spring Resort to the South.


In the past Molesworth was closed to the public for many years, recently the New Zealand Department of Conservation has taken ownership on behalf of the NZ government and now allows access for limited times to the public. Having a DOC concession our company has been able to develop a comprehensive range of tours to offer our guests, so we are delighted to bring you exclusive entry to parts of this unique and remote region where the topography varies from 900 meters to over 1,554 meters, with frosts two days out of every three. Read about DOC


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 fertilizer 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 collection of one day and multi-day tours.