A long gravel climb up to Altimarloch, rising 1693 metres high above the clouds and the Awatere Valley below. The payoff is sweeping views over the upper South Island and the surrounding ranges, and most drivers reckon it's worth the trip even when cloud rolls in partway up.

The road is steep, slow and bumpy, tight in spots with hairpins on the way up. It's a gravel climb generally rated easy to medium, not technically difficult, just a long uphill chug. Allow time to pull over for photos, and note it's not suitable for towing.

A popular little side quest off the Molesworth, good detour if you've got a clear-ish day and want big elevation and even bigger views. Drivers report it as a roughly hour-long return run with stops, so an easy add-on to a bigger day out.