Starting at the intersection with SH 5, one drives through the
Kaingaroa Forest and after 38 km the small town of
Murupara is passed; at this point, the road temporarily loses its state highway status. At km 44, at Te Whaiti, a road branches to
Minginui, leading into
Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. The highway travels south-east for a further 20 km past the settlement of
Ruatāhuna, and passes entirely through forested mountains. The next 74 km are unsealed and climb through
Te Urewera, following small streams to reach the shores of
Lake Waikaremoana. At km 134, at Aniwaniwa, is a visitor centre operated by the
Department of Conservation where several different walks start, including a short stroll to the
Āniwaniwa Falls. At the southern end of the lake, at Onepoto, is a motorcamp. Further south, along the
Waikaretaheke River, the three power stations of the Waikaremoana Power Scheme can be seen. From Aniwaniwa the road regains its state highway status and enters the valley of the
Waiau River, where the seal restarts. At km 185, at the village of
Frasertown, where the Waiau River joins the
Wairoa River, the
Tiniroto Road branches off to Gisborne (another 97 km). At km 195, at Wairoa, the road finally terminates on SH 2 at the intersection of Mahia Avenue and Bridge Street. == Opposition to sealing ==