From the northernmost terminus of the Transmission Gully Motorway at Mackays Crossing just north of Paekākāriki, it extends northwards 31 km (19 mi) to just north of Ōtaki, bypassing the former two-lane route through Raumati South, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Peka Peka, Te Horo and Ōtaki.

As part of a state highway (SH1) the controlling authority for the expressway is Waka Kotahi - New Zealand Transport Agency When the second section was officially opened, tangata whenua gifted the name Te Ara Tuku a Te Rauparaha.

The previously constructed four-lane section from Mackays Crossing to Poplar Avenue was upgraded during 2016 and early 2017 to provide an improved road surface.

This section of road is constructed on an old peat swamp and develops an uneven surface over time.

49 kilometres of lanes were found to be leaking, due to the new type of low-sound asphalt that was used for its construction.

[8][9] An initiative was formed named "Finish our Road"[10] focusing on the safety implications because higher traffic on local roads, impact on ratepayers subject to higher maintenance costs and impact on the rural communities of the Kāpiti Coast.

At its official opening on 21 December, Ngati Raukawa gifted the name Te Ara Tuku o Te Rauparaha, in honour of the legendary rangatira memorialised near the church Rangiātea in Ōtaki town.