Heading inland from Patea, this is an easygoing run on a mix of sealed and gravel road out to the Patea Dam. It's not a technical off-road track at all. Passenger cars handle it fine and no real skill is needed, but the drive in and out is genuinely lovely and quiet, well worth the trip if you've got a bit of time up your sleeve.

The dam itself is a power-generating station with plenty to take in, and Lake Rotorangi sits above it. The scenery is the real drawcard here, so think of it as a relaxed couple of days rather than a hardcore drive.

At the end of the road there's a small free campsite with good facilities, including hot showers. A nice spot to pitch up for the night, popular with people after a quiet stay or a bit of hunting. The ground is mostly sloping with only a level site or two, and it fills over the holidays, so it's best enjoyed at quieter times.