If braided rivers are your jam, the trip up the Havelock River takes you way into the central divide. River crossings, long stretches along the bed and big alpine valley views are the reward, with proper remote backcountry scenery once you're up in the upper valley.

This is genuine braided-river country, so the going is over loose gravels and shifting channels rather than any formed track. Worth keeping a close eye on the weather, since levels can rise fast, and a second vehicle is a very good idea in case something goes wrong.

Like any route through a river, the mapped line is a best guess only. Things change with every flood, so read the water and pick your path through the braids. Self-sufficiency, recovery gear and good judgement are essential this far into the divide.