Running from the coast at Turakina through to Tangiwai near Ohakune, this seal-and-gravel back road follows the Turakina River the whole way. It's a longer but more interesting alternative to SH4, winding through farmland with a couple of waterfalls and a notable bridge along the way.

An easy, well-rated drive of roughly 100km, a mix of around 60/40 gravel and chip seal that's comfortably doable in a regular car. Allow about 2 to 3 hours. Some of the gravel sections are thinly metalled, so they can be loose underfoot, and you may meet stock on the road or the odd small slip or downed tree, though nothing that blocks the way through.

Most drivers reckon south to north is the way to do it, since you'll be facing National Park and Mt Ruapehu for much of the journey. On a clear day the views are well worth it, and plenty of people rate it over the direct highway. Good one for an unhurried scenic run through the back blocks.