The original route between Raglan and the Waikato, used before SH23 came through. These days it sees little more than local farmers and residents, so it's a relaxed, scenic gravel drive rather than a 4WD challenge. Most vehicles will handle it comfortably.

The gravel can be thick in places, especially after a fresh grading, and there are plenty of tight, blind, and fairly steep corners, particularly toward the Hamilton end. You'll get some nice outlooks and a bit of bush along the way. It once formed a section of the Rally of New Zealand.

Worth a look is the World War 2 tank trap. Home Guard troops built it in a narrow section as a barrier against any invading force landing at Raglan and pushing inland, and it's still there today.

The western end links into Waitetuna Valley Road, so it makes a pleasant alternative to the Deviation when you're heading out to Raglan.