Driving through the Pohara Natural Bridge in the South Island
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the South Island of New Zealand, wind in your hair, Tasman Sea sparkling on your left. Suddenly, Abel Tasman Drive takes a turn for the awesome. You're heading straight for a massive rock formation – the Pohara Natural Bridge (also called the Tarakohe Archway, after that huge Tarakohe Rock nearby).
Get ready for a serious "wow" moment, because you're about to drive *through* a cave! Yep, this road actually goes right through a natural tunnel carved out of limestone. For ages, this natural passage has been the easiest way to get between these little coastal coves. Back in the day, they even quarried the limestone here for cement, though the quarry is now abandoned.
When they built Abel Tasman Drive, they decided to just go for it and route the road straight through the cave! It's totally paved, so you don't need a four-wheel-drive or anything. Just take it slow, soak in the scenery, and enjoy one of the most unique drives you'll ever experience. Seriously, how many roads do you know that tunnel through a natural cave? This area, including the nearby Tarakohe Wharf (or Port Tarakohe), is ridiculously scenic, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!
Where is it?
Driving through the Pohara Natural Bridge in the South Island is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -40.5531, 176.4923
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -40.5531, 176.4923
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