St Arnaud is the main gateway to the Upper Wairau Valley, signposted for the Rainbow Ski Field, 85 km from Nelson or 131 km from Picton via Blenheim.

Access is also possible from Hanmer Springs, 134 km north of Christchurch. For more information on the Rainbow Road visit Rainbow Road (Hanmer Springs to St Arnaud).

Backcountry safety: Snow and freezing conditions can occur at any time of the year and flooded rivers may extend your trip. Backcountry travellers should have adequate food, equipment and experience for their planned trip, and good avalanche awareness.

Road safety: Rain can make the many unbridged streams along the Rainbow Road impassable. There are no petrol stations, telephones or mobile telephone coverage for most of the journey. Check your spare tyre. On-coming traffic is difficult to see and stock wander freely — drive carefully.

Private land: The floors of the Wairau, Rainbow and Paske Valleys are farmed. Leave gates as you find them and respect stock and property.

Domestic animals: Leave dogs and domestic pets at home. Hunting dogs and horses
may be taken on to private land with permission from Rainbow Station.

Fire: Fire is a major threat to vegetation in this area. We recommend portable cookers are used.

There may be avalanche danger 

Nelson Lakes National Park has a variety of avalanche paths in the Travers, Sabine, Matakitaki and numerous side valleys. For information on current avalanche danger, refer to the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory.

If you are going into avalanche terrain, always:

1. Have the relevant avalanche skills and training.
2. Check the ATES rating and the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory before you go.
3. Go with a buddy. Both of you should carry and know how to use an avalanche transceiver, a snow shovel and a probe.