This short access route drops down off SH1 to the Rangitikei River in the Manawatu-Whanganui region. Once you reach the riverbed, a network of little tracks branches off to different spots along the gravel flats, so it's easy to find your own patch by the water. The setting is classic Rangitikei country - open shingle, braided river channels and big open sky. It's a handy stop for a riverside break or a play on the stones, but keep in mind this is a living river: the channels, gravel bars and tracks shift constantly, so what works one visit may be different the next. Read the river before committing, and stay well clear during storms or when levels are high, as the riverbed can flood quickly. Best treated as a fair-weather destination with an eye on the forecast.