The proposed new Puhoi to Wellsford road north of Auckland will be assessed by an independent Board of Inquiry.
The Government says the new highway meets the criteria for going to a Board of Inquiry because it is nationally significant.
Environment Minister Amy Adams and Conservation Minister Nick Smith say the road is likely to lead to a considerable use of natural and physical resources and significant changes to the environment.
The proposal includes the coastal marine area and has requests for coastal permits.
The ministers say directing the proposal to a Board of Inquiry means that anyone who wants to can have their say. The board is expected to deliver its decision within nine months.
