A long gravel road climbing through powerline country into Fiordland's backcountry, heading up toward the South Arm Lake campsite. Most of it is easy going, and the scenery builds the higher you get. By the time you reach the top around the Grebe Valley the views are the payoff, and plenty of people reckon it's worth the trip even if that's as far as you make it.

You'll pass the Borland bivi on the way, a good spot to pull over and brew a cuppa. The final section drops down toward the lake, where a washed-out bridge means you'll ford a stream about 800m short of the campsite. There are a few side tracks worth poking down too if you've got the time.

This is rugged, remote country, so come prepared. Signage at the road start can be lacking, so it's worth checking access before you head in. Bring plenty of bug spray, the sandflies are brutal out here. The road shuts for winter on 1 June and reopens 25 October.