Up on the hills behind Akaroa, this loop runs a mix of seal and smooth gravel over some seriously big country on Banks Peninsula. Wind over the tops and you get views in every direction, with morning mist settling over the high ground before it clears by midday.

Mostly easy going, and well within reach of a standard 2WD ute. You will meet narrow single-lane sections that hug steep hill edges, so be ready for tight passing or backing up a bit for oncoming traffic. The real fun is in the finger roads dropping down to the bays. Most are dead ends, but each one opens up good views, with access to walking tracks and some lovely beaches. The side tracks aren't always as tidy as the main loop, but they're easy enough to tackle.

Give it an afternoon to cruise and explore. You can start from the Akaroa end or come in via Pigeon Bay and Summit Road, with options to link through Diamond Harbour, Purau and Port Levy too.