A rough gravel road leading up to the stunning Mavora Lakes area and its campsite, in the Southland high country reaching into Otago. At roughly 40km each way, it's worth allowing plenty of time, both for the surface and the scenery. The route winds through tussock country and beech-fringed valleys, with the Mavora Lakes themselves sitting in dramatic mountain surrounds that have featured as filming locations. Keep an eye out for the lower lake as you cruise up; it's well worth calling in for a look. Being a popular tourist route, expect to share the road with campervans travelling slowly, so be patient and ready to ease past where it's safe. The gravel can be corrugated and dusty, so take it steady. The lakes are a renowned spot for camping, fishing, kayaking and walking, making the drive a rewarding journey to a genuinely special part of the South Island.