This two lane road is part of State Highway 3 along one side of the gorge. It's quite susceptible to landslides that close it occasionally.
Beginning as a surveyor’s line, by 1872 a “road” existed but was a perilous trip for coaches. Travellers had to cross the river by punt or take an aerial trip using a cageway, pulley and wire system suspended high above the river.
On the other side of the Manawatu River is a train track.
The railway through the gorge was contracted for in 1886. Men worked in large gangs shovelling metal winched up from the river. The line was completed in 1891 and the first train over it carried 1500 passengers in eighteen double carriages.
At least, there's some interesting scenery to while away the 8 kilometers that seem like a lot more :)
Info from: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/manawatu-whanganui/places/manawatu-gorge-scenic-reserve/
Amazing contruction and views.
ReplyDeleteIncredible the feats of engineering our forefathers completed with such basic tools. At least they had some stunning scenery as a backdrop to their labours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful are to drive through.
ReplyDeleteEngineering tech is stunning; so, now it can be possible to have roads through amazing mountains, gorges...
ReplyDeleteBuilt in 1872 and still works perfectly
ReplyDeleteScenery show your pictures, very beautiful
greetings Frank
Lol about the km seeming so much longer. That is a beautiful gorge.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! It reminds me a lot of some of the gorges in Colorado. I love that hidden waterfall.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us at Photo Friday!
I like places like this. Gorgeous ride you take :)
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