Out on the Wairarapa's rugged south coast, this is a fine-day drive that takes in a bit of everything. The route mixes gravel, dirt and sand with a few small river crossings, leading out to a wild stretch of coastline with views that are hard to beat.

It's popular for surfcasting and there's good camping right on the beach, including Corner Creek Campsite. A locked gate at the far end means it's best treated as a return trip rather than a through-route. Heading west toward Mukamuka Valley, a long-standing slip has narrowed the main track to a point where it's impassable for most vehicles, so plan your run around that. Quads and bikes have reportedly been getting past via the beach.

Take care on the beaches, as the soft sand can easily bog a vehicle down. On road pressures the gravel and small crossings are no trouble, but this is exposed coastal country that rewards a sensible, well-prepared approach.