Linking Raglan and Kawhia along the west coast, this one's all about the scenery. You could stick to the highways, but the gravel road winding round the coast is the better drive, with ocean views most of the way. Plan on it taking longer than you think, because there are plenty of photo stops, short walks and swim spots that'll pull you over.

It's not a technical 4x4 track, just a well-maintained gravel road that suits most vehicles. You'll hit some corrugations in places, but otherwise it's an easy run.

Bridal Veil Falls is worth the detour, turn off at Te Mata along Raglan Road for about five minutes. Ruapuke Beach is another good one and a solid surf spot. There's a campground roughly 30km round from the Raglan end if you want to break the journey. The Raglan end in particular gives you the best views on a clear day.