The Paerau end of Old Dunstan Road drops from the edge of the highlands at over 1,000 metres to the north end of Serpentine Flat at 57 metres. The views across Serpentine Flat to Rough Ridge are superb. The shape of the Taieri River “scroll plain” is a feature of the view. This is where the river meanders have created a series of curves and round pools. This extensive effect is uncommon worldwide but appears regularly in this section of the Taieri River.
Drive down amongst the tors and tussock to Paerau (called Styx in the 1860s). You will find a small reservoir on the Taieri River. Take Paerau Road to the head of the Upper Taieri Plain and then Linnburn Runs Road to access the second part of Old Dunstan Road over Rough Ridge.
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