Driving through the narrow Moki Tunnel in NZ

Located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand’s North Island, Moki Tunnel is a 180-metre-long, single lane tunnel.

Moki Tunnel

When was Moki Tunnel in NZ built?

Tucked away on the west of the North Island, the historic and very narrow tunnel was constructed in 1935 by the Public Works Department to aid crossing the Moki Saddle which was previously impassable in winter. It was hand dug with picks and shovels. Originally it was 5 meters high, but the tunnel’s floor was lowered in 1989, increasing the tunnel’s height to 7m. Though the road and tunnel are not heavily trafficked, they have become attractions for those interested in off-the-beaten-path travel experiences in New Zealand.

Is Moki Tunnel in NZ paved?

The road through the tunnel is fully paved. It’s called Forgotten World Highway (New Zealand State Highway 43). It’s a drive to remember which stretches between Taumarunui and Stratford. Beyond the tunnel you emerge to the scenic delights of the Tangarakau Gorge, where the asphalted surface becomes gravel road. The road is slippery when wet.

Is Moki Tunnel in NZ open?

Located within the Whanganui National Park, the tunnel is commonly known as the "Hobbit's Hole" (even proudly displaying this name on a sign at the entrance). It’s closed to vehicles higher than 4.5m. The tunnel is pretty narrow even for a regular car. There's a gravel parking spot off to the side which has an information sign about the tunnel and the construction of it.

 

 

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