The Old Dunstan Road runs through the rugged high country of Central Otago, a historic route originally put in to serve gold miners and now travelled by those wanting to explore that history. This northern section is a long, remote gravel route through open, isolated country, with wide tussock landscapes and grazing sheep for company rather than other vehicles.

The driving is mostly easy going, with a dry, rocky surface and few ruts that a stock 4WD can handle comfortably. The main technical point is a ford crossing, where low range is useful on the short pitch coming out of it.

Along the way you'll pass Poolburn Reservoir, a scenic spot dotted 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 hovering around 5 degrees, so come prepared. Note this track sits within an official seasonal closure from 1 June to 1 October.