At the southern end of Waikaia Forest, a scenic gravel drive winds through native beech and across tussock ridges, with sweeping views of the Umbrella and Old Man Ranges. The road drops into a riverside clearing with a DOC campsite, an extensive kids' playground, well-kept grass reserves, historic sawmilling relics, and an old gold-rush water race still in use.

The drive from the camp alongside the Waikaia River is easy and lovely, fine for most vehicles. Beyond the clearing, the through-route to Roxburgh and SH8 turns into a remote, demanding 4WD climb: a clay-based steep ascent with cross-axle spots, high-country bog holes (solid-bottomed, but don't detour off-track or you'll bog), deep ruts including the side track to Potters Hut, and challenging rock steps with vertical drop-offs near the Piano Flat descent.

High clearance is essential and 4Low for the steps, where you crawl and pick a line to save your bumper. It's far harder when wet, so deflate if there's been rain. Allow a couple of hours from camp to the main road, and bring repellent because the sandflies in the clearing can be fierce.