Big, empty high country up the Clarence Valley, straddling the Seaward Kaikoura Range. The Maori name is Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia. You get amazing views, plenty of river and stream crossings, and proper access into a genuinely remote part of the country.

The leg between the Kahutara gate and Quail Flat runs about 30 km and you'll want at least two hours for it. The road is steep, rough and narrow in places, with several fords along the way. Slips and floods are common, so there's no guarantee of a clear run through. Keep to the formed track, leave gates as you find them, and don't get in the way of farm work or stock.

You need to sort access before you go. Contact Colin Nimmo of Muzzle Station on +64 3 319 5791 or [email protected], and note there's a road maintenance fee for motorised vehicles. The track is shut over winter and opens back up for the warmer months.