
When was Moki Tunnel in NZ built?
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
5 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island, and you stumble upon the legendary Moki Tunnel! This isn't your average tunnel; it's a 180-meter-long, single-lane time capsule, hand-dug back in 1935. Seriously, picks and shovels! They even lowered the floor in '89 to make it taller.
You'll find it on the Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) between Taumarunui and Stratford. It’s fully paved to the tunnel, and trust me, it's a drive to remember. Just beyond it, though, you're greeted by the incredible Tangarakau Gorge, but beware, the pavement ends and the gravel begins! Road can get slick when it rains too.
Oh, and did I mention it's often called the "Hobbit's Hole"? Yep, there's even a sign! It's in Whanganui National Park and, heads up, anything over 4.5m can't squeeze through. It's super narrow! There is a little gravel parking area with an info sign. Get ready for a seriously unique off-the-beaten-path experience!
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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