But when you're flat across the tank, knees and elbows tucked in, neck aching behind the screen . . . and holding a steady 80kmh, Omakau is a very long way from reality.
The sign outside Ranfurly said "Omakau 80km".
A few kilometres later, the fuel gauge clicked down to the last square.
Turn around? Nah.
When you have a destination in mind, and a smile a mile wide, an about-turn is for losers.
The next sign confirmed Omakau was closer, and the fuel indicator square remained solid.
Check the trip meter, do some mental calculations . . . look for farm houses, contemplate long walk.
No, we're still good.
Oh, no, the fuel square is winking at me.
More mental calculations, hill coming up, will it splutter halfway up.
No, we're over the hill. No farm houses here. No cars, No nothing.
Just raw Central Otago . . . everywhere.
I readjust my tuck, holding a steady 80kmh.
Do I feel silly, or what?
"Omakau 12km".
The fuel square continues its taunting wink.
Every kilometre added to the tripmeter is one I won't be walking.
I get passed by an Astra.
My neck hurts even more.
Another glance at the tripmeter; 9ks to Omakau, 8, 7, 6, 5; well, I could walk it from here. If I really had to.
And then, up ahead in the near distance, the roofs of Omakau. A gently rising right turn and a straight and the best sign in the world: "Omakau welcomes you".
Oh, yes it does.
Down two gears and a big handful of throttle to celebrate.
The front-end goes light before sensible mode kicks in.
The Gas station is one of those 21st century New Zealand rarities, the country garage. They are a reassuring throwback in a throwaway world.
The country garage is where Kiwi practicality thrives.
You just know the workshop is capable of whipping up a specialist piece of agricultural equipment from whatever is lying around - and there usually is plenty lying around.
Out front, on the dusty forecourt, there's a ready smile, a helping hand with your refuelling and, if required, advice - sometimes of just about every kind.
The retail counter may not be laden with myriad snacks, or the fridge stocked with designer water, but you'll never starve or die of thirst.
We need country garages. And they need us.
Reaquaint yourself with a country garage. Even better, introduce your children or grandchildren to one these holidays.
