Waikawau Tunnel Beach was cut with picks and shovels
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, somewhere between Marokopa and Awakino. You're heading for Waikawau Beach, and the only way in is through a crazy-cool tunnel.
Waikawau Road is a bit of a wild ride to get to, winding its way along the coast, but trust me, it's worth it. Then you get to the tunnel. This isn't just any tunnel; it's 80 meters long and carved right through the sandstone cliffs. Back in 1911, some hardcore workers dug it out by hand so farmers could move cattle. Now, it's just for pedestrians, adding a touch of adventure to your beach trip.
Emerging from the tunnel is like stepping into another world. You're greeted by a totally isolated black sand beach. This hidden gem on the King County coast is the perfect reward for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Where is it?
Waikawau Tunnel Beach was cut with picks and shovels is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -42.4586, 173.5071
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -42.4586, 173.5071
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhy is it called Carpentaria Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising across the Northern Territory? You've GOT to check out the Carpentaria Highway! Named after the Gulf of Carpentaria, this 380km (236-mile) stretch is a vital artery for the region's pastoral, tourism, farming, and mining industries. It's also the most northern year-round route across this part of Australia. Starting near Birdum (south of Daly Waters) and winding its way east to Borroloola, near the McArthur River, this adventure will take you between 6 and 7 hours without stops. But trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll witness the breathtaking transition from harsh outback deserts to the lush, subtropical landscapes near the Gulf. Heads up: it's narrow in parts, even down to a single lane sometimes, and the road can be a bit rough. You'll definitely need to be self-sufficient with water, food, and plenty of fuel. Luckily, you can tank up at the Hiway Inn at the start, Cape Crawford along the way, and Borroloola at the end. Also, watch out for road trains! The dual-lane section near the McArthur River mine will have you practicing your passing skills. Get ready for an unforgettable and remote Aussie road trip!
easyDriving the scenic B68 in Tasmania
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the B68 in Tasmania! Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip. This mostly coastal road (it's actually Sandy Bay Road and Channel Highway combined) takes you on a gorgeous 98 km (61 miles) adventure from Hobart down to the sweet little town of Huonville. Picture this: you're cruising along, the water shimmering beside you, and you're basically driving through history, since this route started as a track way back in the 1800s! Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and just soak in that incredible Tasmanian scenery.
moderateWhere is the Bertrand Road Swing Bridge?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're exploring the northern part of the Taranaki region on New Zealand's North Island, near Huirangi, Lepperton, and Tikorangi. Suddenly, you come across the Bertrand Road Swing Bridge, a totally unique wooden suspension bridge. Seriously, this thing is historic (it's a Category 2 structure!) and pretty special. So, how long is it? Enough to handle up to two cars and twenty people at a time. Legend has it that back in the day, crossing the river here was a real pain and getting around wasn't easy, so this bridge was built to solve that problem. Over the years, it's had its ups and downs, even shutting down to cars for a while and forcing people to take a longer detour. Luckily, the community rallied together, held fundraisers (including a "buy a plank" thing!), and got some grants to bring it back to its former glory. They even reused some of the original suspension parts! Now it's open again and sees around 150-200 vehicles a day. Definitely a cool spot to check out if you're in the area!
extremeBridle Track in NSW is an iconic track for the 4X4 enthusiasts
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an awesome Aussie adventure on the Bridle Track in New South Wales' Central West! This 4WD track is packed with fun, weaving through the stunning Central Tablelands from Duramana to Hill End (that's about 52 km / 32 miles of pure excitement!). It starts as a cute little paved road, then transforms into a dirt track that's generally pretty easy, but watch out for those curves, especially when it's dry – it can get slippery! Dust can be a pain too, so keep your distance from other cars. Rain turns it into a whole new level of slickness, so be careful, even in a 4WD. Heads up: part of the track is closed near Monaghans Bluff due to a landslide from way back in 2010, so you can only go so far from either Bathurst or Hill End. Leave the caravans and camper trailers at home for this one. This track is not for the faint of heart – it's 4WD only, with steep drops, no guardrails, and falling rocks to keep you on your toes. Some spots are so narrow you might have to reverse a good 300m to let someone pass! Creek crossings and flash floods are common, so be super careful around the water, and maybe bring a spare tire. Seriously, don't speed or drive it at night, especially the last 20 km – it's just not worth the risk. If you do make it to Monaghan’s Bluff, drive cautiously with your lights on, since it’s a one lane road with no stopping! If you drive straight through without stopping, it'll take you about 1.75-2 hours, but why rush? There are eight campsites along the way, perfect for camping, fishing, and exploring the area’s cool history. This track was built by convicts back in the 1820s during the gold rush, and it's named the Bridle Track because some parts were so narrow, folks had to lead their horses by the bridle.