Maling Pass sits just south of Lake Tennyson in the St James Conservation Area, Canterbury. It's one of two offroad routes through the area and forms part of the St James Cycle Trail, following an old stock route from the days when this was part of the vast St James Station.

The track is generally moderate and straightforward if you take it slowly, but it's bumpy and slow going with rocky sections and short, steep channels crossing the route. Decent ground clearance is essential — this is not one for low-clearance crossovers. Alpine weather changes fast here, with sun, rain, hail and snow all possible within a single hour.

The payoff is spectacular: sweeping views of Mount Una, the Spencer Mountains and the Waiau River Valley, with breathtaking outlooks down to the valley floor. Vehicles are not permitted on the Waiau River bed or across to the western side of the conservation area. You must get gate access via DOC before heading in, as the codes change frequently.