From Taumarunui, SH 41 runs west through farmland, crossing the Whanganui River before entering bushland and climbing north-west onto the Central Plateau. Eventually the highway turns south-west and crosses the Manawatū-Whanganui/Waikato regional boundary. At Kuratau Junction, there is an intersection with SH 32, which continues north to Tokoroa. SH 41 turns south and runs above Lake Taupō, passing Omori and Kuratau. At Waihi Village, the road descends to the lake, and passes through Tokaanu, a hydrothermal village with hot springs. South of the tailrace bridge, there is a T-intersection with SH 47 east to Ruapehu and National Park. The highway enters Turangi and skirts the southern edge before ending on SH 1.