The Napier–Taihape Road, known to riders as the Gentle Annie, is one of the North Island's great backcountry crossings. Now fully sealed, it climbs to 1,250 m at Kuripapango through remote tussock and beech country with almost no traffic, crosses the Rangitikei at the historic Springvale bridge, and descends to the gumboot town of Taihape. Carry fuel — services are scarce.
Clone it to your planner, customize dates and stops, then ride. All free.