Kowhai Ford is a short, easy detour off the highway in Canterbury that crosses a braided river - a fun little river crossing in the middle of nowhere. It's barely a track in itself, but the ford makes for a satisfying taste of off-highway driving in a scenic Canterbury setting.

For those keen to extend the trip, there's scope to head up or down the riverbed (within reason and conditions), turning a quick crossing into a longer adventure along the open river flats.

Water levels here change with the weather and the season, so check depth and flow before committing and pick a sensible line across. A handy spot to break up a highway journey or to practise a straightforward crossing.