The most mundane food becomes a culinary marvel when it’s cooked on the tailgate of your truck or under a tent fly at some remote campsite. Something about it gives the tastebuds an extra zing. There are a few things to look out for, though, to make sure you don’t end up with a hungry and mutinous crew.

Water obstacles come in many types and sizes, from puddles with attitude to fast-flowing mountain rivers. With all of them, make sure you know what you are getting into before you get into it. Check the depth of the water and the nature of what lies beneath

Nearly 1400m up, the mist rolls back to reveal two jewels of Central Otago, lakes Wanaka and Hawea, far below. Along their shores a thin ribbon of road snakes from bay to point to bay.

One of the joys of owning a 4WD is that you can load it up with a tent, chilly bin and a few other essentials and head into the wilderness, beyond the point at which cars have to stop, to camp alongside a river or lake for a few days.

Getting stuck is part of the deal – some would say part of the fun – of going off-road. If you are by yourself, getting unstuck can be a long and difficult process.