The Rainbow Road is one of the must-do’s of the Upper South Island for adventure riders. The road is a private road that was constructed to allow maintenance access to the power lines that the road follows. The land’s leaseholder allows public access from Boxing Day 26 December to 5pm on Easter Monday, outside this period you may get access by contacting the farm manager of Rainbow Station. There is a toll levied for road access which is payable at a gate and farm near the northern end of the road and at the time of writing the toll was $30 per motorcycle which must be paid in cash.
Along the road you will be treated to stunning views, wandering stock and a variety of terrain including one of the highest roads in NZ. There are also several places to camp which are detailed at the DOC pages linked to above.
The Rainbow Road can be a very exposed, harsh environment with temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 30 degrees with wind and rain. There is no cell phone reception and no recovery service so riders need to be self sufficient. While the track is usually easily passable it is not actively maintained and recent weather could have caused slips or flooding of the various fords on the northern section of the road. Riders should ensure they have enough petrol to enable them to turn back and cover the 112km return journey if required.
DOC access information for The Rainbow Road
DOC Pamphlet with detailed road and area information
Check out the Rainbow Station website for the latest conditions and for out of season access
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Gravel road
Track composition: Bumpy, Firm, Undulating
Slippery when wet?: Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Intermediate
River crossings? Yes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFcLIBMQm38
…AND…..it’s closed again.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/experiences/road-trips/128335013/rainbow-road-from-st-arnaud-to-hanmer-road-to-open-for-10-days
Rainbow Road Summer opening times.
The Rainbow Riad has been closed today after heavy rain overnight caused some washouts but it is hoped to be open again tomorrow.
If you are planning on doing the Rainbow Road this Labour weekend check whether it’s open first. The road was closed on Friday due to heavy rain making the Six Mile Creek too high to cross.
Rainbow Station will open at 7am on Boxing Day 2024.
I’d really like to ride Rainbow coming Sat- Sun- or Monday. Is anyone else planning to do this as well? And if so, care to form a pack? 🙂
Starting from Christchurch, I’d like to ride the Rainbow Road from Hanmer to St Anaud any weekend between 8 February and 8 March 2025, either in a day, or preferably over a Saturday and Sunday to allow for camping overnight at Cold Water DOC site, and doing a spot of fly fishing.
As I’m recently returning to riding motorcycles, having bought a Himalayan, it would be wise to ride with at least one other, perhaps with a few.
If you’re interested in taking a leisurely jaunt up the Rainbow road as above, feel free to get in touch.
Thanks
Kenneth Irons
Kenneth.irons@gmail.com