Up at the northern end of the Dunstan Mountains, a chain of farm tracks and access routes climbs across Lauder Station and into some genuinely special high country. The landscape shifts between rugged outcrops, winding gorges, wide open tussock, alpine cushionfields, and rocky tor-covered tops. Lauder Basin links State Highway 8 through to the Manuherikia Basin near St Bathans.

This is a fun but technical, very-hard route through high tussock backcountry, so come well prepared and capable. The easement is for 4WD motor vehicles only, no motorcycles or ATVs. Recent visitors have rated it highly for both fun and challenge.

A locked gate sits at the start, and you'll need DOC consent and gate codes before you head out, so tap the 'More info' button to sort that. Note the seasonal closure too: the easements are off limits from 1 May to 30 November each year.