Turakina Valley Road is a scenic seal-and-gravel back road in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, running from the coast at Turakina through to Tangiwai near Ohakune. It follows the Turakina River the entire way, making for a longer but more interesting alternative to SH4.

It's 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. The route winds through farmland with plenty to see, passing a couple of waterfalls and a notable bridge along the way.

Many drivers recommend travelling south to north, as you'll be facing National Park and Mt Ruapehu for much of the journey. Some gravel sections are thinly metalled, so they can be loose underfoot, and you may meet stock on the road or the occasional small slip or downed tree. On a clear day the views are spectacular, and it's a rewarding trip well worth taking over the more direct highway.