The Mt Aspiring Access Road runs deep into the Mt Aspiring area, threading through valleys with phenomenal mountain views and moody Southern Alps skies. It's a scenic, well-formed gravel road and an easy drive, accessible even to campervans and 2WD cars in dry summer conditions.

It does earn its reputation with heavy corrugations, especially towards the far end, so airing down makes for a far more comfortable trip. Several shallow fords cross the route; they're straightforward in fine weather but can rise quickly to river levels after rain, so always check the forecast before you head out. Winter travel calls for chains.

The real rewards lie at the end of the road, where short walks lead to a spectacular waterfall and the Rob Roy Glacier. Don't let the rental cars put you off he alalpine scenery alone is well worth the drive out.