Drives Waikato, New Zealand Taranaki and Whanganui
Awakino Gorge: Highway 3
SH 3 · Awakino → Piopio
The drive
The Awakino Gorge is the part of State Highway 3 that links Taranaki to the Waikato, following the Awakino River up from the coast at Awakino to Piopio. The road squeezes between steep, bush-covered walls and rises and falls in bends all the way, with the river alongside and few places to pull out.
It was once held up by the single-lane Awakino Tunnel, built in the early 1920s. NZTA built a 2.3 km bypass with two new bridges over the Awakino River, a northbound passing lane and truck pull-over areas, opened in May 2021. The old tunnel is kept as an attraction, with a walkway and a landscaped rest area beside it.
This drive runs inland from Awakino to Piopio, the way traffic from Taranaki heads for Waitomo and Hamilton. The gorge's steep slopes move in heavy rain, and slips have closed the road many times, so the first job is to check its status.
Along the way
- Awakino
- Piopio
Good to know
- Slips and land movement have closed the gorge repeatedly; check NZTA Journeys before setting out.
- NZTA's usual alternatives when SH3 is shut are SH1 and SH4. Back roads are not recommended.
- Repair work and traffic management are common after slips, so expect stop/go control, reduced speeds and delays at times.
- SH3 through the gorge is Taranaki's main road north.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NZTA Journeys: traffic and road conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Awakino Gorge drive take?
The Awakino to Piopio drive on SH3 is 50 km (31 mi) and takes about 45 minutes, longer when repairs are on.
Why does the Awakino Gorge close so often?
State Highway 3 runs below steep slopes beside the Awakino River, and slips and land movement have closed it repeatedly. NZTA lists current closures on Journeys.
What is the alternative route when the Awakino Gorge is closed?
NZTA has said SH1 and SH4 are the best alternatives. SH43 has not been designated as a detour because of its alignment and isolation.
Can you still drive through the old Awakino Tunnel?
No. NZTA opened a 2.3 km bypass in May 2021 that takes SH3 around the old tunnel, which is kept as an attraction beside the road.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.