Lillybank Road is the gateway to some of Canterbury's most spectacular backcountry, winding from Lake Tekapo towards the Godley and Macaulay valleys. Long, well-graded gravel stretches are framed by turquoise water on one side and towering peaks on the other, eventually opening to broad braided riverbeds that hint at the adventures ahead.

It's an easy drive with a surface most vehicles can manage, so you'll often see 2WD campers out alongside the 4WDs. The grade lets you keep a steady pace, with the run up to the Macaulay hut a popular outing. On the through route to the Godley and Macaulay valleys there are a few small river crossings as alternatives to the bridges.

The scenery is the real drawcard year-round, from mirror-like lake reflections in calmer, low-water spells to a full winter wonderland of snow, with side detours like Roundhill nearby for a play in the powder. Many travellers admit the only challenge is resisting the urge to stop for photos at every turn. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so it's always worth checking the forecast before pushing out.