When was Moki Tunnel in NZ built?

When was Moki Tunnel in NZ built?

New Zealand, oceania

Length

N/A

Elevation

5 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Max Elevation
5 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Stockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australiahard

Stockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Get ready for an epic seaside adventure on the Stockton Beach 4WD Track in New South Wales, Australia! Just an hour north of Newcastle, this 30km (18-mile) stretch of pure adrenaline runs from Williamtown to Anna Bay, cutting through the stunning Worimi Regional Park. This isn't your average beach cruise—you'll need a proper 4WD with high and low range to tackle these dunes. We're talking about the massive Stockton sand dunes, some towering up to 30 meters high! These beauties on Australia’s East coast are steep, thrilling, and require your full attention. Give climbing vehicles plenty of space, stick to the waterfront, and definitely deflate those tires before hitting the sand. Oh, and don't forget your permit! Keep in mind, this place gets packed during summer and holidays. High tide can make things tricky (or even impassable), so aim for low tide – ideally, avoid driving two hours before or after. Low tide means harder sand closer to the water, making the drive smoother and safer. Just remember: no sudden turns or brakes! An air compressor is a must-have, and never approach a vehicle climbing a dune from behind. Always drive straight down dunes; angling it is a recipe for disaster. Storms can shut the track down, so always check conditions before you go. Did you know this beach was a star in the original "Mad Max" movie? Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defenses along the way, and marvel at being on the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere!

The road to the Luminescence: How to Get to the Glowworm Tunnel in NSWmoderate

The road to the Luminescence: How to Get to the Glowworm Tunnel in NSW

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, glow-getters, listen up! If you're anywhere near Lithgow, NSW, you NEED to check out the Glowworm Tunnel in Wollemi National Park! Picture this: you're cruising along a 35.6 km unpaved road that used to be a railway line hauling shale back in the day. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper Outback adventure! The road kicks off from Clarence and winds its way through some seriously stunning scenery in the Wolgan Valley. Think breathtaking gorges, hidden caves, and views for days. Just keep in mind, this old railway track is narrow and bumpy with a tight railway tunnel crossing thrown in. You might even need a 4WD if it’s been raining. Eventually, you'll reach a parking area about a kilometer from the tunnel entrance. Word to the wise: this spot gets PACKED, especially when everyone wants to see those glow worms light up! Now, about the tunnel itself – it's a 400-meter curved marvel built in the 1900s. It’s pitch black in there, creating the perfect habitat for thousands of glow worms (they're actually fungus gnat larvae, if you want to get technical). Their incredible blue glow comes from a chemical reaction and it is something you have to see to believe. Important: no driving IN the tunnel! The fumes are bad news for the glow worms. And remember to keep the noise down and watch your step on the rocky ground – let’s respect this natural wonder!

Trig Track is a dangerous road with steep descentsmoderate

Trig Track is a dangerous road with steep descents

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! Trig Track in Victoria, Australia, is calling your name... if you're brave enough. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking serious 4WD territory. Clocking in at around 5.5 km between Walhalla Road and One Speck Track, this unpaved rollercoaster is a wild ride of loose ruts and seriously bumpy terrain. Forget the family sedan; you'll need some serious off-road cred and a vehicle to match. Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording the Aberfeldy River? Reaching a peak elevation of 887m, Trig Track serves up some stunning views... if you can take your eyes off the road for a second! But be warned, it's closed from June to November, and even when it's open, wet weather turns the danger dial way up. The craziest part? Twelve hairpin switchbacks so tight, you'll be doing multi-point turns and essentially reversing uphill in sections. It’s like an amusement park ride meets a driving test from hell! Seriously, it's a surreal, unforgettable experience.

Is the road to Lake Mackenzie unpaved?hard

Is the road to Lake Mackenzie unpaved?

🌍 Tasmania

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Tasmania's Launceston region lies the stunning Lake Mackenzie, a hidden gem sitting pretty at 1,122m (3,681ft) above sea level. Now, getting there is half the fun! Forget smooth asphalt; Lake Mackenzie Road is a 21.7km (13.48 miles) unpaved track that kicks off from C171 (Mersey Forest Road). Expect a bumpy ride with plenty of ruts to keep you on your toes. It’s pretty steep in sections too! The good news? You don't need a monster truck. A standard 2WD can usually make it to the dam. Just be warned: Tassie weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. So pack accordingly, keep an eye on the skies, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery! This one's a true off-the-beaten-path experience.