Maruia Saddle sits in the Tasman region, linking through to the Matakitaki Road end. This is a scenic little detour that climbs to around 580 metres before dropping down into the valley on the far side. Along the way you'll cross a few small fords and pass through some stunning West Coast forest, with native bush lining much of the route. The terrain is generally gravel and well-formed, making it an easy-going drive rather than a technical challenge, so it suits most 4WD setups looking for a relaxed run with good scenery. The saddle climb gives you a sense of the surrounding hill country, and the forest sections are the real highlight here. A cool little side trip if you're exploring the wider area and want to add a bit of variety to your trip.