Always Be Naturing

Motor vehicle access into St James Conservation Area

Introduction

Off-road vehicle users need to register with DOC before entering the St James Conservation Area. Find out about vehicle access, restrictions, and how to register your vehicle.

Open to motorised vehicles

Maling Pass and Edwards Valley Track are open to motorised vehicles.

Maling Pass has sustained some damage following a severe weather event. Expect the track to be rougher in some section than usual, exercise caution.

Tophouse Road washout detour

Due to a significant washout on Tophouse Road, a temporary detour is in place between the St James Homestead and the Edwards Valley Track. Ensure you follow the temporary detour to avoid further erosion. The temporary detour is not a formed track, additional care is required.

When you can take vehicles on St James Conservation Area

Motorised vehicles (4WD vehicles, quad bikes, ATVs and motorbikes) are usually permitted on the two 4WD tracks in Edwards Valley and Maling Pass during the drier summer season.

This is usually from early October to mid-late

May, subject to weather and track conditions. These tracks were closed for winter on 12 May 2025.

Access can also be closed anytime during the summer period due to safety risks, bad weather, threats to conservation or track damage. You will need to check the DOC website for the latest track status.

Where you can drive

Access is restricted to the Edwards Valley and Maling Pass 4WD tracks from Tophouse Road as far as the signs by the Waiau River. Vehicles are to stay on these tracks at all times.

Edwards Valley Track is not maintained past Scotties Hut, access over Charlies Saddle is not recommended.

Vehicles are not permitted on the Waiau River bed, or across the river to the western side of St James Conservation Area.    

How to get in

Vehicle access is controlled by locked gates at the two track entrances, at Edwards Valley and Maling Pass car parks. The gates are controlled to ensure drivers are aware of the vehicle code of conduct and any other conditions before entering the area.

To register your details and view the codes visitors need to complete our online form:

St James motor vehicle access form

Code of conduct

  • Securely close the gate after you have gone through.
  • Stay on the 4WD track and stop at the signs that mark the end of vehicle access.
  • Do not take your vehicle on the Waiau River bed or cross the river with your vehicle.
  • Comply with New Zealand transport laws and regulations covering all vehicles and drivers.

Walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders may also be on the tracks, so you should:

  • be prepared for the unexpected
  • drive at a speed that enables you to stop if a hazard arises
  • approach a blind corner no faster than walking speed - other users may be just around the corner
  • give way to walkers, horses and mountain bikes
  • give way to uphill traffic if travelling downhill.

Contact

Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre

Phone:+64 3 318 9211
Email: arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:104 West Coast Road
Arthur's Pass 7654
Hours:Visitor centre hours and services