Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countryside

Kiwi Road is a scenic, narrow, and rough track located in northern Taranaki, on the North Island of New Zealand.

Kiwi Road

How Challenging is Kiwi Road?

The road is not easy. It’s mostly unpaved, and the winding track has narrow sections that are impassable for two medium cars. The edges are starting to erode in places, making it unsuitable for heavy vehicles or caravans. While most of the surface is in good condition, the drive is steep, topping out at 363m (1,190ft) above sea level. Drive at a moderate speed, as it sometimes feels more like a goat track than a road.

How Long is Kiwi Road?

The winding, narrow, bush-clad road is 17.9 km (11.12 miles) long, running south to north from Moki Road to Okau Road.

Is Kiwi Road Worth the Drive?

It runs parallel to State Highway 3, offering a road trip through some of Taranaki's most remarkable landscapes. This isolated route is ideal for nature lovers. Make sure you leave enough time for plenty of stops along the way—the scenery is breathtaking.

What is the Kiwi Road Tunnel?

The most challenging part of the drive is near the end: the Kiwi Road Tunnel, a short, narrow tunnel measuring 154m (507ft) in length, constructed in 1915. It’s sometimes referred to as the Eastern Kiwi Road Tunnel.
Road suggested by: Don Fisher
Pic&video: sean turner

 

 

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