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
Related Roads in oceania
easyHow long is Steve Irwin Way?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia? You HAVE to hit up Steve Irwin Way! Formerly the Glasshouse Mountain Tourist Route, it was renamed in honor of the legendary Crocodile Hunter. This paved beauty stretches for about 29 km, linking you to some seriously awesome tourist spots. Most of the road is two lanes, though you will find some four-lane sections along the way. Now, let's be real, traffic can get a little crazy, and there have been a lot of accidents here over the years. But don't let that scare you off! This drive is all about the views. The whole drive without stopping is only about 25-35 minutes, but I highly recommend you take your time. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of Beerwah State Forest and the Glass House Mountains – these crazy volcanic formations that popped up from lava eruptions millions of years ago. Definitely pull over and hit one of the walking tracks to a lookout. Trust me, the panoramic views of the dramatic mountain landscape are totally worth the detour!
moderateHow long is Oodnadatta Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia and want an epic outback adventure? Check out the Oodnadatta Track! This legendary dirt road stretches for 622km (386 miles), connecting Marree in the south to Marla in the northwest, offering a real alternative to the Stuart Highway if you're heading to the Northern Territory. So, how tough is it? Well, most vehicles can handle it when it's dry, but a 4WD will make the journey way more comfortable, and it's a must if there's been any rain. Think well-maintained gravel, but watch out for washouts, sandy patches, potholes, and those bone-jarring corrugations, especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be crossing a few creeks and rivers, usually dry though! When's the best time to go? Aim for April to October. Trust me, you do NOT want to be out there between November and March – it's brutally hot. How long will it take? Non-stop, you're looking at 11-13 hours, cruising at around 60-80 km/h. But you'll definitely want to stop and explore! This track follows an old Aboriginal trading route and the scenery is stunningly semi-desert. You'll be skirting the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, passing through outback settlements like William Creek and Oodnadatta. Keep an eye out for the remnants of old railway sidings and telegraph stations, like Coward Springs Campground (with its artesian spa!) and Curdimurka. Plus, there are tons of natural springs along the way, fed by the Great Artesian Basin. It's the perfect introduction to outback driving!
hardMount Banks
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're headed to the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia? Ditch the highway and find Mount Banks Road! It's a seriously cool little mountain pass sitting pretty at 863 meters up. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, steep inclines, and a road that gets *real* narrow in places. It's only 1.2 km of unpaved fun, but after rain, it turns into a muddy, slippery adventure. Seriously, you might need a 4x4 to make it through, and even then, a big storm could shut it down completely. But when it's dry, most cars can manage the trek. The track winds through the Blue Mountains National Park, ending at a picnic spot about a kilometer from Mount Banks summit (look for the trig station!). The views are incredible. Trust me, the slightly hairy drive is worth it for the scenery alone!
hardHow long is Hughenden Muttaburra Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an Outback adventure on the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (part of State Route 19) in Queensland, Australia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at 210 km (130 miles), this north-south track links Hughenden to Muttaburra, and it's best tackled with a 4WD or high clearance vehicle. While much of the road is open to all, be warned: Mother Nature throws some curveballs! We're talking about infamous black soil patches that turn treacherous with a hint of rain. Expect some serious corrugation too, especially that final 100km stretch heading into Hughenden from Muttaburra. Brace yourself for sharp gravel, deep ruts, and granite boulders that can wreak havoc on your vehicle's undercarriage. The road climbs to 376m (1,233ft) above sea level and boasts plenty of steep sections. Forget those 100kph speed limit signs – you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without risking damage. For 2WD vehicles, especially those towing a caravan, this road is a true gravel nightmare! But with the right vehicle and a sense of adventure, you'll experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Australian Outback!