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Walking track
Molesworth Recreation Reserve
A 2 hour walk to the summit of Pudding Hill.
Distance
9.64 km
Walking time
4 hr
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
11 October 2026
Cloudy with showers, mainly about the Sounds and inland ranges, clearing and becoming mainly fine late afternoon. Northwesterlies but northeasterlies about Kaikoura Coast, strong at times, easing everywhere in the evening.
12 October 2026
Fine. Light winds, then northerlies developing in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the morning and afternoon. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning. Northerlies developing in the morning.
15 October 2026
Showers, some heavy. Southeasterlies developing.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Pudding Hill summit is reached after about 2 hours of walking. From the top, you’ll have wide-ranging views — to the south, the Acheron River winds towards its meeting point with the Clarence River, while to the north, the Boddington Range separates Isolated Flat from the Acheron River. This is a marked tramping track, with poles guiding the way. The track is also suitable for mountain biking.
Take the Clarence Valley Road from Hanmer Springs (via Jacks Pass Road). Turn right onto Tophouse Road, this becomes the Acheron Road. Continue for 17 km to then cross the Clarence River. The start of the track is further along Acheron Road. Note: Acheron Road is open 7 am – 7 pm daily from 1 October to Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April – whichever is later. Acheron Road can close without warning. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
No dogs.
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.