It is a short but windy drive from Blenheim on State Highway 1 over scenic Weld Pass and Dashwood Pass to Awatere Valley. The town of Seddon is at the head of the valley, which runs parallel to the east of the better-known Wairau Valley. Stop at the historic bridge just before Seddon if you have a moment. This two-storey rail and road bridge sat astride New Zealand’s main highway for over a hundred years!
Driving through Awatere Valley, look for a safe place to stop on the side of the road. The views of the vineyards spreading up the valley are stunning. These photos were shot in Autumn, but spring and summer would show a green carpet surrounded by relatively dry hills.
If you continue south down the valley between 1 October and mid-April, you will access the Molesworth region of the South Island, one of the most remote driving routes in New Zealand. A sign at the entrance to the valley will tell you whether the remote part of the road is open.
