Driving the Taumatamaire Road is not a piece of cake
Taumatamaire Road is the name of a very challenging drive located in the western North Island of New Zealand.
The road is totally unpaved and narrow, with very steep parts, hitting a 12% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. It climbs up to a repeater station, where it tops out at 402m (1,318ft) above the sea level. Ideal time to travel is daylight. Not advised night drive.
The road is 23.6 km (14.66 miles) long, running from Awakino, at the mouth of the Awakino River, to State Highway 3 south of Mahoenui. If you do choose this route please check up to date information.