Heading inland from the coast, this long gravel road follows the Tauranga River deep into a quiet valley. The river is rarely far from view, and the valley itself is the real highlight as you push further in.

The driving is easy gravel for the most part, with a few small fords to splash through and several side entrances leading down to the river if you want to reach the water. The road ends at a river crossing, where you can pick your own adventure from there, within reason.