Takapari Road climbs deep into the Ruahine Ranges in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, topping out around 1400m as one of the highest public roads in New Zealand. On a clear day the views stretch for miles in every direction, so it's well worth picking your weather. The lower half of the route is the toughest, with rutted, slippery clay sections and a notorious obstacle roughly 1km in - a near-vertical winch wall, with an off-camber bypass cut through the bush. Both routes can demand a winch and proper recovery gear, especially when wet, so this is no place to tackle alone. Higher up the going eases as you reach the A-frame hut, a popular spot to look around or stay the night. Beyond the hut the track gets harder still before petering out into soft marsh, which shouldn't be attempted solo. Note the seasonal closure: the DOC section closes 13 September and reopens 1 January, with a locked gate to protect the road over winter.