A short side road off the lake circuit drops down to the shore of Lake Hawea, threading through a small patch of forest before opening out onto the water's edge. Easy going the whole way.

The forest gives way to open lake views, and there's a quiet spot right by the water to pull up, stretch your legs and take it in. Good place to break the drive in this corner of the lakes country.

One thing to be ready for: the sandflies down at the lake edge are shocking, so pack the bug spray before you head down.