A rough gravel winding through the St James Conservation Area, with big mountain scenery the whole way and a run up towards Rainbow and Tennyson. Top House Road is a popular link between Hanmer Springs and Lake Tennyson.

Most river crossings are bridged, with optional easy fords alongside if you'd rather take them.

Along the way it passes the gate for the Cow Stream hot pools track, shown in Navigator Pro. Apply on the DOC website for the gate code if you want to detour there.

Watch your speed on the narrow blind corners and keep left, as some are tight. Snow can come through in winter, while summer tends to be dry. All up, an easygoing drive through the hills.