D'Urville Island lies off the northern tip of the South Island, beyond the outer Marlborough Sounds and reached from the Tasman region. The main road is a long gravel route that winds across this remote, sparsely populated island, opening up beaches and quiet coastline to explore along the way.

Expect classic backcountry gravel touring with plenty of scenery rather than technical challenge. Resources on the island are limited, so come fully self-sufficient and pack everything you'll need for your stay. There is one designated campsite on the island, and as a general rule camping isn't permitted elsewhere, so plan your overnight around it.

Getting here takes a little organisation: you'll need to book a vehicle ferry crossing with Jana and Haydn's D'Urville Island Crossings service, and it pays to give them a few days' notice. The effort is rewarded with a genuinely off-the-beaten-track destination that few travellers reach.