A gravel road climbs over the pass at 935 metres, linking the Maniototo with the Waitaki Valley. The drive winds through open high-country hills and the scenery holds up the whole way over.

It's an easy run on a generally smooth gravel surface. The top can get pretty exposed in winter or when the wind's up, so check the weather if that matters to you. Swirling mist sometimes rolls in and limits the views.

The historic pub along the way is the highlight, one of the best old pubs around and a good spot to pull over for food and drinks. You might find yourself driving through a mob of sheep being mustered, which is about as Otago as it gets.