Extreme fire danger is forcing the early closure of the road through the historical Molesworth Station in south Marlborough.
The Acheron Road through the high country station will close on 11 March.
It opened to the public on 28 December last year and was due to remain open until 7 April.
The Department of Conservation, which manages Molesworth, says if the fire risk reduces, the road may re-open during the current open season.
Area manager Dave Hayes says the early closure of the road is necessary to protect the station's working farm and outstanding natural and historical features.
