SWMBO has had several anxious inmates asking about the SH1 closures. Take no notice of the closures at Atiamuri or the Whites Road detour north of Putaruru – there is a far easier route that most regular TRM inmates use to and from Auckland in preference to SH1.

See the map below:

From Turangi take SH41 north towards Taumaranui and turn onto SH32 north along the western side of Lake Taupo. Turn off at Whakamaru to continue SH32 towards Tokoroa. Then, this is the important link, just before you get to Tokoroa turn left onto the Old Taupo Road (not indicated on the official map below) to head north through Hodderville and Puketurua. At the end turn left and right onto Horahora Road to join SH1 where you soon join the 110 km per hour motorway to Auckland, or turn off to Hamilton or Tauranga, wherever.

Many regular TRM inmates have been using this route for yonks as it misses out Tirau, Putaruru, Tokoroa, and the slow drag through all the little settlements (Hatepe, Te Rangiita, Oratua, Motutere) beside Lake Taupo. There is not one town to slow you down between Turangi and Auckland.

Far less traffic = less hassle, less stress, providing more relaxed rural driving with better scenery and takes less time than SH1. OK?