Climbing high into the hills above Patea Dam in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, Meremere Road is a scenic clay-and-gravel hill track with great views the whole way. In dry conditions it ranges from easy to medium - largely a dirt road with optional technical side lines for those wanting more of a challenge. The route gets progressively more technical and closed-in the further you go, with steep ups and downs and an old gate partway in. Wet weather transforms it: the clay turns treacherously slippery and it quickly becomes a hard route, so drier spells are the time to visit. Deep ruts left by bog holes mean decent ground clearance helps, and 4WD is recommended even in the dry thanks to the steep pinches. A genuinely fun run that rewards careful drivers. Closed over winter (closes 27 May, reopens 1 November).