Hakataramea Pass is an easy, scenic gravel road in Canterbury that links over into the MacKenzie Country, offering a relaxed alternative to the highway. The route rewards you with wide, open high-country views, and the run towards Tekapo is particularly memorable. The surface is well-formed gravel, though it can get corrugated, so dropping your tyre pressure makes for a more comfortable ride. There are a couple of fords along the way that are typically shallow or dry in mid-summer, adding a bit of character without much difficulty. Suitable for most 4WDs and a great way to take in the big-sky scenery of the basin.