New Zealand, Taranaki
Four saddles, a gorge and a tunnel, on a road that feels a century out of date.
Length
148 km
In miles
92 mi
Driving time
3 hr 42 min
Atlas rating
8.9 / 10
The run
Taumarunui to Stratford, following the SH43. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
A gravel section and a one lane tunnel, no fuel for 150 km
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 18 May 2026
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