At the head of Lake Tekapo, this is one of the South Island's famous braided-river runs, climbing up a broad valley and crossing Lillybank station before pushing well into the high country. The gravel approach beside the lake is an easy, well-graded run with epic views, and then it opens onto wide shingle flats with mountains all around.

Most of the Godley is just existing wheel tracks along the riverbed, so you'll be following your nose, picking between braids, working through numerous crossings and a few steep banks. Beyond Red Stag hut you have to travel in the river itself to carry on. The longest, deepest crossing apart from the main Macaulay one sits just past Sibbalds Island. Enter via the shallow shingle island and avoid the sandy opening to the right when heading up the valley.

The river shifts course over time and can block the right-hand side, so low tyre pressures, an eye on the weather, and travelling in company all make sense. Capable stock 4WDs have done the run to Red Stag fine, factory ATs and no lift included, but this is high, remote country and not one to drive alone.