Winding through the Wairarapa hill country, this gravel road takes the back way out to Riversdale Beach on the coast. It threads through rolling farmland and hills before you drop down to the township.

The going is generally easy on a well-formed gravel surface. You'll likely strike a few corrugations where the logging trucks run, but it's a relaxed drive rather than a technical challenge.

Takes a bit longer than the sealed route, but you get the main viewpoint looking out over the coast along the way. Good one if you want to soak up the hill country scenery on your way to the beach.