SH85 (New Zealand)

The SH85 starts on SH1 in Palmerston and is the shortest route west through the mountains to Alexandra on SH8. It is not, however, particularly direct as it is forced to take a large curve northwards around the higher peaks in between. This does mean, however, that the route passes through a lot of different scenery, with some stunning views at times.

From Palmerston, the route heads north west, climbing steadily as it follows the Shag River upstream. After the small village of Dunback, the river is crossed and the road runs along the northern edge of the valley floor, the gradient increasing as the valley narrows. It is a long pass, with the road passing tiny villages and scattered houses as it climbs up to the watershed at a height of nearly 650m above sea level. The descent down to the junction at Kyeburn is somewhat quicker and steeper. After crossing the river, the road climbs over a low ridge to the small town of Ranfurly. The town is located to the south of the general route of SH85, but curiously the main road diverts south to pass through the town centre, doubling back north again. An unsigned gravel road provides the direct connection, bypassing the town.

A long gentle climb up and out of the valley takes the road over a slight ridge to Wedderburn, from where the road continues north west, crossing two further low ridges to reach the Manuherikia River. This is where the route turns, to follow the river south west, downstream. The river is crossed just below a confluence, and then the road follows the west side of the valley through small villages and the small town of Omakau. With just a couple of little climbs over ridges and hillocks, the road continues downhill all the way to journeys end in Alexandra, where it meets SH8 at a roundabout in the town centre.