How long is Waikawau Tunnel Beach?

How long is Waikawau Tunnel Beach?

New Zealand, oceania

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're on the North Island of New Zealand, heading towards a secret beach. But here's the thing, this beach is accessed via a hand-carved tunnel! Waikawau Tunnel Beach isn't super long, but the real adventure is getting there. The tunnel itself is a labor of love, dug through sandstone cliffs way back when, by just a few determined souls. It used to be for driving cattle, but now it's just for us adventurous beachgoers. The entrance is located at the end of the winding and dangerous Pembroke Road. This picturesque tunnel sits at the end of the winding and dangerous road. Trust me, once you emerge on the other side, the isolation and raw beauty of the beach will blow you away. Just be careful on that road leading up to it – it's a bit of a zigzag!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
New Zealand
Continent
oceania
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Where does Waterfall Way start and finish?extreme

Where does Waterfall Way start and finish?

🇦🇺 Australia

Waterfall Way in Northern NSW is an absolute stunner of a drive! Think rainforests, river valleys, and, of course, waterfalls galore! You'll cruise right through the incredible New England and Dorrigo National Parks. This 170km (106mi) stretch of road kicks off from the New England Highway near Armidale and winds its way to the Pacific Highway close to Urunga (just a quick 20-minute jaunt south of Coffs Harbour). The road's fully sealed, but be warned: it can get pretty narrow and twisty, especially with a steep, winding 14km section west of Thora. Some spots are carved right into the mountainside, while others are built up with stonework – so keep your eyes peeled! Overtaking can be tricky, especially on the Dorrigo Range. And watch out for wildlife! While undeniably gorgeous, this route has seen its fair share of accidents in the past. Take it slow, stay focused, and you'll be golden. Plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Waterfall Way is a detour that's more than worth it, with everything from pristine coastal beaches to lush rainforest and wide-open plains. Keep an eye out for heavy trucks and slow-moving caravans. And if you're driving at night near Ebor, you might even spot a spotted-tail quoll – if you don't hit a kangaroo first! Don't forget your insect repellent, and be aware that mobile reception can be spotty along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Where is the Kaitawa Bridge?moderate

Where is the Kaitawa Bridge?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: You're cruisin' in the southwestern part of New Zealand's North Island, a few clicks southeast of Pahiatua. You stumble upon the Kaitawa Bridge, the gateway to adventure! Now, this ain't your average bridge. It's a wooden suspension bridge, pretty unique, with a steel through-truss underneath and a concrete base. Just a heads-up: it's one-way only – literally. You can only have one vehicle on it at a time, and keep an eye on that width, it's 2.5 meters max. But don't sweat it too much, the bridge has been updated to handle modern vehicles. The bridge itself is the start of Waihoanga Road which is fully paved. Keep in mind that a few roads you will find along the way do end up in dead ends. This route isn't about setting speed records; it's about soaking in the views. You'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery as you make your way across this iconic bridge.

Why is it called Lawrence Hargrave Drive?easy

Why is it called Lawrence Hargrave Drive?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're cruising the south coast near Wollongong, you absolutely HAVE to check out Lawrence Hargrave Drive. This isn't just a road; it's a scenic masterpiece named after an Aussie legend, Lawrence Hargrave, the guy who invented the box kite and basically kickstarted aviation Down Under! You'll be driving along the same coastline where he experimented with his kites – talk about inspiring views! Built back in the day, this fully paved beauty stretches for about 20 kilometers (around 12 miles) from Coalcliff down to Clifton. It's a winding ribbon of asphalt hugging the cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockfall, especially after a storm, and watch out for the soft shoulder! But honestly, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to the most spectacular coastal scenery Wollongong has to offer. The real stars of the show are the bridges, particularly the Coopers Creek Bridge. It's not super scary, but it'll definitely get your heart pumping a little! Trust me; this drive is an unforgettable experience. Get ready to pull over and snap a ton of photos!

When Was the Cape Palliser Lighthouse Built?moderate

When Was the Cape Palliser Lighthouse Built?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Cape Palliser Road in the Wellington region, right at the bottom of New Zealand's North Island. This 35 km (21 mile) stretch kicks off from Lake Ferry Road, and let me tell you, the views are insane. For most of the drive you've got these gnarly cliffs on one side and the wild ocean on the other, complete with dramatic black-sand beaches. Seriously, the sea views are unreal. Now, heads up: the last 7.2 km (4.47 miles) turns to gravel. After a bit of rain, it can get pretty muddy and slick, so take it easy. Watch out for erosion around Whatarangi, and get ready for a bunch of quirky one-lane bridges. But trust me, it's all worth it. You're heading to the Cape Palliser Lighthouse, standing tall since 1897. Brave the climb up around 250 steps, and boom! You're at the 18-meter-high lighthouse, automated since '86, guiding ships away from the treacherous waters. From up there you can see Palliser Bay and even the South Island on a clear day. Plus, the shoreline nearby is home to a huge colony of fur seals. It's an absolute must-see!