The road is a two-lane single carriageway, with a one-lane bridge crossing the Orari River.

It is an important tourist highway, and forms part of the most direct route between Christchurch and the Mackenzie Country, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Queenstown/Wānaka.

The highway then intersects with the Inland Scenic Route and crosses the Orari River.

In the town centre, SH 79 turns right and passes through the southern sections of the township before veering to the west towards the foothills.

The road gradually passes through sections of pine forest and farmlands and is generally hilly and curvy in some spots before descending into the township of Fairlie.