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
easyWhere is the Condamine River track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in Queensland, near Killarney, ready for an off-road adventure. You're about to tackle the Condamine River Road, a totally unique 20.8 km (almost 13 miles) track that winds its way west-to-east through the stunning Cambanoora Gorge to "The Head." This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a mostly one-lane, unpaved dirt road with some serious potholes and 14—yes, fourteen!—crossings of the Condamine River. This track demands respect, best suited for high-clearance 4WDs with low-range gearing. Leave the trucks, buses, caravans, and trailers at home. Under normal conditions, the river crossings are relatively shallow, usually just below the steps on your 4x4, but the river is seriously weather-dependent and can rise fast, making things impassable. Seriously, check with the Warwick Visitor Information Centre beforehand to avoid any surprises! The speed limit through the crossings is a crawl—only 5 km/hr—and the overall track speed limit is 30 kph. Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete the drive, depending on conditions and water levels. Beyond the challenge, you'll be rewarded with stunning views, abundant wildlife, and the chilled-out vibe of exploring beautiful rocky creek beds and towering eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for remnants of the old rabbit fence, a historical barrier between Queensland and New South Wales. It's a fantastic scenic drive when it's open!
hardCan you drive to French Pass NZ?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Escape to French Pass, a hidden gem in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand's South Island! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Starting from Ōkiwi Bay, you'll wind your way along 38.3 km (23.79 miles) of classic Kiwi road. Think gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and maybe a sheep or two grazing on the hillsides. Oh, and cattle stops galore! (Pro tip: secure anything loose in your car *before* you hit the first one). The road climbs to 413m (1,354ft), rewarding you with breathtaking views. Built back in 1957, this route offers a slow, scenic pace. Expect the drive to take between 1 and 2 hours without stops. What makes it special? Solitude! You might not even see another car. The scenery is next-level, with farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and dramatic coastal vistas overlooking the French Pass and d’Urville Island, where you can witness some of the fastest tidal flows in the country. This isn't just a road; it's an adventure!
hardWhere is Old Woman Range?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand's Otago region, itching for an adventure. I've got just the spot - Old Woman Range! We're talking seriously high altitude here, one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this peak chilling near the Southland border, smack-dab in the Kopuwai Conservation Area. The views from the mountain hut at the top? Forget about it! Panoramic doesn't even begin to cover it. Think stunning Central Otago landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. Now, a word of warning: this ain't your typical Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, and bumpy as anything. We're talking old gold mining track stuff, so a 4WD is an absolute must. We're talking about 19.9 km (12.36 miles) from Nevis to the top! Heads up, this road is usually only open in summer and only when it's dry. The weather here can be super unpredictable, even in summer, so conditions can change in a heartbeat. Plus, you're way out in the boonies, with zero cell service, so getting stuck is a real possibility. Seriously, don't even think about tackling this one solo. You barely see another soul out there. But for views like this? It's hard to find.
hardDriving the Hay River Track along an extinct river
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you, your trusty 4WD, and nearly 600 miles of pure, unadulterated Aussie outback. That's the Hay River Track in a nutshell! This epic track carves right through the Simpson Desert, connecting Birdsville in Queensland to Gemtree in the Northern Territory, following an ancient riverbed. Forget paved highways; we're talking sand, sand, and more sand! You'll definitely need a vehicle with low-range gearing and high clearance to conquer this one. Opened to the public in 2000, it's a relatively new adventure, but one best left to experienced drivers – seriously, don't go it alone! Prime time for this trek is May to October – avoid those scorching summer months like the plague! Think insane heat and potential vehicle-killing conditions. Stock up on everything you need – and then double it! There's absolutely nothing out there, so you're 100% self-sufficient. We're talking at least seven liters of water per person per day (plus emergency supplies!), spare parts, and a satellite phone for those "just in case" moments. This isn't just a road trip; it's a proper expedition through some of the most stunningly remote scenery Australia has to offer. Just remember to be prepared, respect the environment, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.