A historic gold miners' route runs through the rugged high country of Central Otago, and this northern section makes for a long, remote gravel run through open, isolated country. Wide tussock landscapes and grazing sheep are about all you'll have for company, with few if any other vehicles about.

The driving is mostly easy going on a dry, rocky surface with few ruts, the sort of thing a stock 4WD handles comfortably. The one technical point is a ford crossing, where low range comes in handy on the short pitch coming out of it.

Along the way you'll pass Poolburn Reservoir, a scenic spot with rock outcrops that sit close to the surface when water levels are low. It can be cold up here even outside summer, with morning temperatures around 5 degrees, so come prepared. Note this track sits within an official seasonal closure from 1 June to 1 October.