Exploring Moki Tunnels: Camper Clearance Concerns

The Moki Tunnel in New Zealand's North Island is a popular destination for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. This 180-metre-long, single-lane tunnel was constructed in 1935 and has a height of 7 metres, allowing triple-decker cattle trucks to pass through. While the tunnel is paved, the road leading to it is gravel, and it is surrounded by scenic attractions such as the Tangarakau Gorge. The Moki Tunnel is part of the Forgotten World Highway, a 148-kilometre route from Stratford to Taumarunui, known for its narrow, winding roads. When planning a trip through the Moki Tunnel, it is essential to consider factors such as the height and width of your camper, as well as any restrictions related to propane tanks.

Campervan Castaways' experience driving through the tunnel

Campervan Castaways Experience Driving Through the Tunnel

The Moki Tunnel, also known as the "Hobbit's Hole", is a 180-metre-long, single-lane tunnel located on the Forgotten World Highway in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island. The Campervan Castaways were excited to embark on this journey, having heard about the tunnel's reputation as a challenging and intriguing route.

As they approached the tunnel, the Castaways were struck by its tiny appearance, which seemed barely large enough for their van. However, they knew that the tunnel had a height of 7 metres since the floor had been lowered in 1989 to accommodate triple-decker cattle trucks. They also knew that the tunnel was closed to vehicles higher than 4.5 metres, so they were confident that their van would fit.

Before entering the tunnel, the Castaways took a moment to appreciate the giant fossilized crabs that could be found nearby. They also noticed the "Hobbit's Hole" sign, which seemed fitting for this unique and picturesque location. Then, they slowly drove into the darkness, feeling a sense of adventure as they navigated the narrow passageway.

Inside the tunnel, the Castaways were surrounded by darkness, with only their headlights to guide them. The tunnel was straight, so they could see the light at the other end as they drove towards it. The sound of their tyres on the paved road echoed off the walls, creating an eerie atmosphere. It was a unique and memorable experience, and they felt a sense of accomplishment as they emerged on the other side.

After passing through the tunnel, the Castaways continued their journey along the Forgotten World Highway. They were glad they had taken on the challenge of driving through the Moki Tunnel, as it had offered them a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and history. They also appreciated the stunning natural scenery that the area had to offer, such as the nearby Mount Dampier falls.

The tunnel's history and construction

The Moki Tunnel, located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island, is a historic and narrow tunnel constructed in 1935 by the Public Works Department. The tunnel is situated on the Forgotten World Highway (New Zealand State Highway 43), a scenic road that traverses 148 kilometres from Stratford to Taumarunui. This tunnel, built to aid in crossing the Moki Saddle, was previously impassable during winters.

The construction of the Moki Tunnel was a challenging endeavour. It was hand-dug using picks and shovels, with coal-fired compressors powering two power jackhammers. The coal required for this process was sourced from the Tangarakau Gorge mine and transported to the site by local settler Ron McCartie. The tunnel is approximately 180 metres long and was originally built with a height of 5 metres. However, in 1985, the floor was lowered by an additional 2 metres to accommodate larger vehicles such as stock trucks and trailers.

The Forgotten World Highway, on which the Moki Tunnel sits, has a fascinating history of its own. Built on colonial bridle paths in the late 19th century, the road was intended to improve access to farmlands in the area. However, the use of soft papa stone made the road frequently impassable. It wasn't until the construction of the Stratford-Okahukura railway line that good quality gravel became available to improve the road's condition.

The Moki Tunnel is one of five tunnels proposed by Joshua Morgan, a surveyor from Whangamomona, in the 1890s. Sadly, Morgan passed away in 1893, and of all the tunnels he envisioned, only the Moki Tunnel was constructed. The tunnel has earned the nickname "Hobbit Hole" due to its diminutive size, and a sign at the entrance proudly displays this moniker.

The tunnel's location and surrounding attractions

The Moki Tunnel is located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island. It is part of the Forgotten World Highway (New Zealand State Highway 43), a 148km route from Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country. The tunnel is 19km from Whangamomona, the largest settlement on the Forgotten Highway.

The tunnel is a feat of engineering, hand-cut with picks and shovels in 1935. It is 180m long and single-lane, with a height of 7m since the floor was lowered in 1989. The road through the tunnel is paved, but the highway also contains the only gravel road part of the New Zealand state highway system. The tunnel is known as the "Hobbit's Hole", with a sign proudly displaying this name at the entrance.

The surrounding area offers a range of attractions, including the spectacular Mount Damper Falls, the fourth-highest waterfall in the North Island, which can be reached via a detour near one end of the Moki Tunnel. The Tangarakau Gorge, with walls just under 60m high, can be found past the other end of the tunnel. The gorge features a 12km section of gravel road, with towering cliffs and thick bush surrounding the river path. The Whanganui National Park, including the Matemateaonga Walkway, is also accessible from the Moki Tunnel.

The Forgotten World Highway passes through small towns such as Toko, Douglas, Te Wera, and Ōhura. The route takes up to 3 hours to drive, passing through rugged countryside and climbing three saddles: the Strathmore Saddle, Whangamōmona Saddle, and Tahora Saddle. The highway has been ranked as one of the 10 worst roads in New Zealand due to its slippery gravel surface in the Tangarakau Gorge, but the scenery along the way makes the journey worthwhile.

Rules and restrictions for driving through the tunnel

The Moki Tunnel in New Zealand's North Island is a single-lane, 180-metre-long tunnel on the Forgotten World Highway. Here are some rules and restrictions to keep in mind when driving through the tunnel:

• The tunnel is closed to vehicles taller than 4.5 metres.
• The tunnel is very narrow, even for regular cars, so drive slowly and cautiously.
• The road through the tunnel is fully paved, but it becomes a gravel road after exiting the tunnel, which can be slippery when wet.
• Familiarise yourself with the safety features and emergency exits in the tunnel.
• Keep your vehicle headlights on at all times when driving through the tunnel.
• Tune in to a local radio station while driving through the tunnel.
• Follow the overhead lane-use signs and traffic message signboards.
• Do not stop, reverse, or attempt to refuel your vehicle inside the tunnel unless it is an emergency.
• Be aware of oncoming traffic at all times and avoid overtaking or tailgating other vehicles.
• If your vehicle breaks down inside the tunnel, switch on your hazard lights and contact the local recovery team for assistance.
• If there is a fire, use the nearest fire break-glass unit and portable fire extinguisher inside the fire service cabinet located at 50-metre intervals inside the tunnel.
• Follow any emergency announcements and instructions from local authorities.
• If possible, drive out of the tunnel immediately in the event of an emergency.
• If you need to evacuate the tunnel on foot, use the emergency exit staircases or cross passage doors located at regular intervals.

The tunnel's dimensions and whether your campervan will fit

The Moki Tunnel in New Zealand's North Island is a 180-metre-long, single-lane tunnel. It is part of the Forgotten World Highway, a 148-155km route that takes travellers from Stratford to Taumarunui.

The tunnel was constructed in 1935 and was originally 5 metres high. In 1989, the tunnel floor was lowered, increasing the height to 7 metres.

The tunnel is narrow, even for a regular car, and is closed to vehicles higher than 4.5 metres. It is fully paved, but the road beyond the tunnel is gravel and can be slippery when wet.

So, will your campervan fit? Well, that depends on the dimensions of your vehicle. If your campervan is higher than 4.5 metres, then unfortunately, it will not fit through the tunnel. If your campervan is lower than this, then it may be able to fit through, but it will be a tight squeeze as the tunnel is very narrow. It is recommended that you take this into consideration and plan your route accordingly.

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