FAQs

Your new Morrifield is a large kitset because we have completed most of the labour for you. Assembly is simple and should only take a few hours depending on size.  A few simple tools are all that is needed. With the following written instructions and video the rest is easy. Please read our Tunnel Installation Instructions.

See our Assembly Tunnelhouse video here.

Once your tunnelhouse is dispatched you should receive tracking notification via text message. Feel free to contact us if you haven’t received any notification and we will follow this up for you.

At times damage can occur while in transit and consignments split upon delivery. We do our very best to have your tunnelhouse arrive on time and in top condition, but if damage does occur we will fully replace the parts, no questions asked. Freight times can vary on location and this is unfortunately out of our control.

Small cuts and tears can be repaired with All weather tape. It is virtually the same colour as the cover and effects a tidy repair. When repairing damage, it is best to clean the area with Meths inside and out to remove any dirt/residue and the tape will adhere much better. You need to patch inside and out where the damage is and this will help strengthen the area.

 Contact us to purchase or see your local hardware store for availability.

The design is virtually the same as in 1980 when they were first produced. It has been time tested in Southland conditions since then and we have sold more than 15,000 units nationwide from Stewart Island to the Far North and, also Chatham Islands. Many original Tunnelhouse frames are still in use today, albeit having a cover refit.

The cover and framework have a 4-year factory warranty against faulty manufacturing and the cover has a 4-year warranty against UV breakdown. The life expectancy of the cover would be 7-10 years. The warranty excludes weather events.

 The cover is prefabricated and with being one piece its far less likely to be damaged, unlike panelled greenhouses that blow out.

The arch gets its strength from the fact it’s one piece. We don’t have any joins because they move and eventually shear off. 

Morrifield growing tunnels are extremely strong and will withstand against strong winds, if they are securely pegged down, at all times! They will also withstand hail and snow. We would recommend some form of shelter from the prevailing wind, especially from the NW direction as this can be the most problematic. 

We often get great testimonials regarding the strength of our greenhouses surviving Cyclones, tornadoes, hail, snow and strong winds exceeding 100 + kph . See our testimonials here.

Unfortunately, we have never been able to wind test our models in NZ because there is no wind tunnel big enough to do so!

A simple form of shelter can be protection from your house/buildings and hedge shelters/trees. A windbreak fence can also be very helpful in slowing the wind down.

The suns UV rays will eventually breakdown the Tunnelhouse film over time. It can be removed and a new cover installed relatively easily, however you should expect 7-10 years cover life. 

Contact us with the size of your Morrifield tunnel house and we can send you out a replacement covers and parts: 

We can supply all parts, even if your tunnelhouse was made in the 80’s!

See our Replacement Parts & Accessories Page.

View our Recover Installation instructions here.

Morrifield growing tunnel covers are made from quality Polygro 200 mu greenhouse film which has a 48 month UV warranty, it usually lasts on average 7-10 years. Replacement covers are readily available.

See our Replacement Parts & Accessories Page.

Yes, The foundation is H4 Tanalised Pinus. Battens and Pegs; No extra foundation is required.

We can supply a non treated macrocarpa base if required at an extra cost.

Additional base timbers can be provided at an extra cost.

This will provide a deeper garden bed and give you more height in the tunnelhouse. 

See our Replacement Parts & Accessories Page.

The tunnelhouse is an extremely humid environment which is why everything grows so well. It will require good ventilation. Our smaller Tunnelhouse range will come standard with one door and one roof vent. These will need to be left open during the warmer months. 

Any greenhouse 5m upwards will require better ventilation and this will be in the form of a window or door end and additional roof vents in the larger models. Our largest 10m Tunnelhouse has 3 roof vents and doors front and rear and it needs all of this because of the size.

It is difficult to get airflow especially on a day with no wind in the middle of Summer so a fan will be helpful in these cases. There are solar fan options available that could be helpful and sourced on the internet.

Shade cloth can also be attached over the top of the tunnelhouse and fixed to the bottom, of the timber base. This will be helpful for plants that need more shade and it can be removed later in the season when not needed.

The tunnelhouse should be in a good position to maximize the sun during the day. This will certainly help with growing.

Shelter is also recommended to protect the tunnelhouse and ensure its longevity. Running the tunnelhouse North/South is a good position if possible. 

We don’t recommend putting your tunnelhouse on an exposed site without some wind protection, and never assemble your tunnelhouse without securing into the ground with the provided fixings. 

Keep away from large trees that could overhang and have branches that snap in the wind and fall and damage your tunnelhouse.

We recommend you clean your tunnelhouse at least once a year or after every season if you wish? This will remove any residues, dirt and pollens and extend the life of your cover.

A simple biodegradable dishwash is generally suffice and you don’t want any nasty chemicals in the soil. A simple car wash brush or broom with soft bristles is fine to use on your tunnelhouse.

Watch our video below for helpful tips on cleaning.

The polythene models have two different widths of 1.8m & 2.35m and lengths range from 2m to 10m in length .

The Urban Junior range is specifically designed for narrow spaces.

Twinwall polycarbonate models are 2.4m wide and range from 2.5m long – 9.6mm long.

The tunnelhouse should fit in comfortably with the landscaping of your garden & be big enough to grow your desired fruit and vegetables.

UJ 2m models and the 2.35 wide x 2.5 m model is the perfect size for approx. 2-3 people, however if you are wanting a few extra plants to provide a bit more produce to freeze or preserve then you may find you want to go up to the 4m size.

Models 4 & 5m long are perfect for small families with 4-5 people.

The larger 6m,8m and 10m long models are ideal if you live rurally and cant always get to the supermarket and want to be more self-sufficient or have a larger family. The 10m model will provide maximum supply of vege’s and probably enough to feed the neighbours!

The bigger you go the better value for money per square metre.

It is possible to move the tunnelhouse. The wooden pegs securing the tunnelhouse in place need the nails removed and pegs taken out. The tunnelhouse can be moved to a new garden position. It is extremely important they are re pegged once in its new position. 

They can be transported whole if you have a trailer big enough, however if this is not possible, they can be dis-assembled and put back up.

The Tunnelhouse must always be pegged back down after removal and in its new position!

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation! The most important aspect for a tunnelhouse. The bigger you go the more ventilation you need. Lack of airflow will cause fungus disease on your plants. 

If you can’t quite afford extra ventilation when you first purchase, you can easily add a window or door kit at a later stage.

The additional screen door option is an excellent option to keep the pests out. Also perfect if you want to go away in the warmer months as it still ventilates. 

No need to take either door on or off as they both sit on a longer track provided so you can alternate between the seasons.

The high wind kit was only added to the range about 5 years ago. Most of our tunnelhouses don’t have these but it is an optional extra should you require some extra stability. The High wind kit includes a braced arch and four corner aluminium stays for the ends. If you have some good shelter, then you probably wont need a high wind kit. However, for peace of mind they can be added as an extra. They are best used in the longer models and not suited very well to the Urban Junior range as they take up an amount of space. Our larger models already have the braced arch feature so the high wind kit will give you an additional braced arch.

Our experience has allowed us to make the best, strongest most practicable sizes, and many parts can be interchangeable between models. This unfortunately means we are unable to make custom size tunnel houses due to restrictions on patterns and jigs.

We can make some custom covers but we cant fit ends to them. These would be flat covers with pockets, ropes and sleeves to secure.

The Crop protection model covers can’t be fitted over the top of the tunnelhouse vice versa.

However if you decide that you want a Crop Tunnelhouse you can convert your Polythene Tunnelhouse to a Crop Tunnelhouse. We have all the parts to change them over.

Advantages for Polythene:

• Extremely affordable option
• Great light transmission
• Extend your growing season
• Cover has a 4 year warranty against UV breakdown
• Average lifespan of a cover is 7-10 years, however many have lasted for more than 15+ years 
• Parts readily available
• Great ventilation options
• Easy DIY assembly
• Extremely Strong
• Partially assembled and includes the timber base
• Quicker manufacturing time

Disadvantages for Polythene:

• The cover can be damaged, however it does take force for this to happen. Repair tape is available.
• They can get very hot and sometimes shade mesh is required or additional ventilation.
• Cats can put tiny pin holes from jumping on them, especially if there   is a fence nearby they have access to.
• Doesn’t last as long as Polycarbonate.

Advantages for Polycarbonate:

• Acrylic coated Polycarbonate and UV treated both sides 
• 15 year UV Warranty on Polycarbonate sheeting
• 6mm Polycarbonate sheeting provides better heat retention
• Strongest Greenhouse product on the market
• Polycarbonate sheeting filters light so the need for shade mesh is minimal
• Full length roof vent on all Polycarbonate models
• Extended Growing season
• 15-20 Year Life Span on Polycarbonate

Disadvantages for Polycarbonate:

• Polycarbonate is an expensive material so the cost is higher
• Timber base is additional
• Freight costs more for these models as they are shipped via furniture truck as they are partially assembled and not suitable for general freight.
• Polycarbonate will become opaque after several years
• If the aluminium tape wears off the ends over time, it is possible the edges can attract some growth/mildew inside the sheet
• Manufacturing takes longer for these models

Not all climates in NZ are created equal and the Far north the exception, being the Winterless North.

The Crop Protection models have a 30% shade and windbreak feature and are perfect for Summer growing or climates that don’t have cold Winters.

If you are only wanting to use it in the Summer then this is a great option for Brassicas, lettuces and berries and anything you want to protect from birds and white Butterfly. Berries do need pollination by bees so leaving the door open early on until the fruit has appeared is the best option. Do be careful though if the White butterfly are around!

It will protect your crops, still provides ventilation and if it rains you don’t need to even water!

The perfect addition alongside your Polythene Tunnelhouse.

Morrifield has a blog dedicated to Tunnelhouse growing. There are tips & tricks when to sow and plant, specific to your growing zone. Monthly planting guides and advice.

Collaborated with Diana Noonan-Writer for Kiwi Gardener magazine, and, also the proud owner of her own Morrifield Tunnelhouse! 

We fore seen there was a need for advice, as so many new growers are emerging and not all garden websites are dedicated to NZ’s ever changing climate. Feel free to check our Blogs page here.

We have endeavoured to provide as much information as possible, however if you cant find the answer here, please feel free to contact us we are happy to answer your questions.