Out on Banks Peninsula, reached from Akaroa, this is a short drive that climbs steeply from sea level to around 780m. The views open up as you climb, and there's an intersection near the top that splits toward the lighthouse road and Flea Bay. Flea Bay drops back down to sea level at a fishing reserve, while the lighthouse road heads to a good viewpoint over the coast, with old remains worth a poke around.

The road is well-maintained gravel, but steep and narrow. It's mostly one lane, so it can get tricky if you meet someone coming the other way, and it'll give your brakes a fair workout. The peak itself is a great spot to pull over for photos.

The final stretch to the lighthouse is gated because the track is unstable, so the last 200m or so is on foot. Don't let that put you off, the short walk to the viewpoint is worth it. Folks consistently rate it highly for the scenery at both ends.