[1] With the exception of SH 4, it has junctions with every national (one-digit) state highway in the North Island.

The highway then leaves the railway and turns east, crossing into Manawatū-Whanganui briefly as it passes through the Pureora Forest Park.

The highway leaves SH 1 at Upper Ātiamuri, and heads north-east, over the border into Bay of Plenty, towards the tourist town of Rotorua.

Turning east, the road skims the southern edge of Lakes Rotoiti, Rotoehu, and Rotoma.

The road turns north-east passing north of the mill town of Kawerau, and through Te Teko, across the Rangitaiki River, to Awakeri.

The highway turns eastwards again, meeting SH 30 at the intersection of Te Ngae Road and Sala Street.