Kiwi Road made the news many years ago about being "very expensive to maintain for the little amount of traffic it sees" making it worth the trip.

Off SH3 in inland Taranaki, this one links Okau Road and Uruti Road through some thick native bush. Plenty of people reckon it feels like driving through the jungle. It's known as one of the country's most expensive roads to keep open, given how little traffic it sees versus the upkeep involved.

The drive comes in two parts: roughly 8km of standard gravel, then a wilder 6km section cut into the hillside. The highlight is one of Taranaki's famous tunnels, pretty much a compulsory photo stop. Autumn colours through the forest are a real treat, and it's a firm favourite that people come back to.

Mostly an easy gravel cruise, and plenty of 2WD cars handle it in the dry. There are narrow, tight spots with steep unguarded drops, so take it slow and watch your clearance in a low vehicle. The odd rock can come down in the tunnel too. A quiet detour well worth the drive if you're passing through.