Out beyond the outer Marlborough Sounds, off the northern tip of the South Island, sits an island that few travellers ever reach. The main road runs a long gravel line across D'Urville Island, opening up beaches and quiet coastline as you go.

This is classic backcountry gravel touring, all scenery and not much in the way of technical challenge. The island is remote and sparsely populated, with limited resources, so come fully self-sufficient and pack everything you'll need. There's one designated campsite, and camping isn't generally permitted elsewhere, so plan your overnight around it.

Getting here takes a bit of organising. You'll need to book a vehicle ferry crossing with Jana and Haydn's D'Urville Island Crossings, and it pays to give them a few days' notice. Make the effort and you've got a genuinely off-the-beaten-track spot to yourself.