Open tussock basins, braided rivers and mountain ranges all around make this a proper high-country drive, with the Arrowsmith Range standing over the back of it. The well-formed gravel climbs gently through Hakatere Conservation Park toward Lake Heron, and it stays easy the whole way, so most vehicles will manage it fine. More of a relaxed scenic run than anything technical.

Lake Heron sits quiet at the end of it and is a good spot to pull over and take in the views.

If you're after more, the area links up with the Rakaia Valley and the tougher Arrowsmith 4WD routes, so it works well as a way into the wider park. A good introduction to the remote, rugged country out here without needing serious off-road skills.