Although not strictly speaking in Taranaki, this tunnel provides foot access to the beach near the end of Waikawau Road at Ngarupupu Point, one of the few publicly accessible parts of the coastline between Marokopa and Awakino.
The tunnel was constructed to allow stock access to nearby Nukuhakere Station. Dug out of the sandstone by John Scott, Charles Christofferson and Albert Perrett using only picks and shovels, the tunnel was completed for the Public Works Department in October 1911. It was "built wide enough for the largest horned beast and high enough to accommodate a tall horseman."
Information from Best of the West Heritage Trail brochure.
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