Behind Thames, the Kauaeranga Valley runs deep into native bush, with the clear Kauaeranga River alongside and rugged ranges rising up either side. The further in you go the more dramatic it gets, with tall cliffs and glimpses of the Pinnacles, one of the better-known hikes up this way.

The road itself is easy, a well-formed gravel run that most vehicles will handle fine. It gets dusty in dry weather, but the driving is straightforward and there's bush in view the whole way.

Along the road you'll find a string of DOC campsites including Shag Stream and Hotoritori, good quiet spots for a swim, a bushwalk, or just sitting by the river. There are plenty of heritage walks too, tied to the valley's gold mining and Kauri logging days. Worth a look if you're after a relaxed drive with somewhere to pitch up for the night.