Tucked into the Tasman high country between St Arnaud and Lake Rotoroa, Porika Road is a scenic alternative to the highway, linking the Howard Valley (north) end with the shores of Lake Rotoroa. The reward is the descent towards the lake, where you get a fantastic outlook over the water before dropping down through tight hairpin turns. This Rotoroa side is notably steep, so engage low range to keep the descent controlled and your brakes happy. The rest of the route winds gently over the hill on gravel, with good flow and space to pass in many spots. If your vehicle has a poor turning circle, it pays to start from the north end. The country up top can get slick in the wet, particularly on the side tracks that run beneath the powerlines, and there are some gnarlier 4WD mini-tracks branching off for those wanting a play. Gold-fossicking areas add interest, and there's a handy camp spot at the base by the lake. Roughly an hour from Nelson, it's well worth the detour.