This gravel route winds down toward the Whataroa River through thick West Coast native bush and a DoC reserve.

The driving is rough gravel and low on bush rash, an easy-going run through dense forest. If you make it down to the river the country opens right up and you can pick your own line along the braided flats.

Worth knowing that access here is disputed and unverified. The boundary between public road and surrounding farmland is unsigned, and drivers have been turned back over land ownership. Treat it with respect and proceed with caution, because you may not get all the way through to the river. Even so, the forest scenery on the way down makes it worth a look.