The country's highest road, through Molesworth Station in Marlborough, will close next week because of the fire danger.
The Acheron Road is opened in summer for tourists between Marlborough and Hanmer Springs.
However, the Department of Conservation, which manages the station, says the road will close from Monday unless enough rain falls before then to reduce the high fire risk.
DoC says the closure is disappointing but necessary to prevent fire risk to the working farm and its outstanding natural and historic features.
