Piano Flat sits beside the river in the Waikaia Forest Conservation Area, in northern Southland. It's a spacious, scenic riverside spot that's often near-empty, making it a relaxed base for a few quiet nights. The river is great for a swim, and with little light pollution the night sky here is some of the clearest you'll find.

Facilities are basic but practical: non-flush drop toilets dotted about, fire spots for campfires (except during fire bans), a BBQ, plenty of tent sites, and water from the stream. There's even an old-school playground for the kids. From here you can head out walking, tramping, biking, horse riding, hunting, or on 4WD excursions into the surrounding forest.

A couple of things to plan for: bring your own firewood, as riverbank wood tends to be damp and the surrounding bush is well picked over, and sandflies are a constant companion, so pack repellent. During the roar you may share the area with hunters, and there can be dirt bike traffic on the nearby tracks.