At the northern tip of the South Island, a narrow channel separates the mainland from D'Urville Island, and the run out to French Pass takes you through the heart of the Marlborough Sounds to get there.

Getting out is half the fun. The road follows scenic gravel that winds along the Sounds, passing little spots like Okiwi Bay and Elaine Bay on the way. It's an easy, well-formed gravel drive rather than a technical 4WD challenge, so the payoff is all in the views, which open up in both directions on a clear day.

The pass itself is the highlight, with the tidal waters swirling between the headlands. Allow plenty of time to poke around the small bays and settlements you pass through, and pick a good day for the best of it. Relaxed trip and well worth ticking off the list.