A long run of rough gravel up into the high country, the Mavora Lakes Road covers roughly 40km each way, so allow plenty of time for the surface and the scenery. It winds through tussock country and beech-fringed valleys, with the lakes sitting in a big mountain amphitheatre that's turned up as a filming location. Keep an eye out for the lower lake on the way up, well worth pulling over for a look.

The gravel can be corrugated and dusty, so take it steady. It's a popular tourist route, so expect to share it with campervans moving slowly. Be patient and ease past where it's safe.

At the top you'll find the lakes and their campsite, a renowned spot for fishing, kayaking and walking. The drive's a fair haul, but it leads somewhere genuinely special.