Excavation of the Aukopae tunnel was begun just prior to World War I. It was designed to eliminate a steep and difficult section of road over the ridge between the Ohura and Whanganui River watersheds.
Because of the war and hard papa strata it was not completed until about 1923.
The size of vehicles which were able to use the tunnel later became a concern and, in 1968, the road was further improved by the present cutting and the tunnel became redundant.
It was used for a number of years for hay storage by local farmer, Murray Craig.
Present access to the tunnel is along the old road from the Tokirima side of the ridge. A Heritage Trail sign (site 24) marks the access point. It is about a 15-20 minute walk.
The portals of the tunnel have now been closed off for safety reasons.
Tunnel Hill Scenic Reserve, SH 43 (River Road), Aukopae. (The site is within the old Taranaki Province.)
Road Tunnels of Taranaki
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