Should you choose to ride the Forgotten World Highway, it’s surely something you won’t soon forget. Also known as New Zealand State Highway 43, the 155km (96 mi) long road stretches from Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country. The highway crosses four saddles, namely the Whangamomona Saddle, Strathmore Saddle, Pohkoura Saddle, and Tahora Saddle.
You can start this route from Stratford or Taumarunui. As New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail, it offers fantastic views of the North Island’s mountainous landscape as well as great views of the lush green valleys, dense forest, gorges, tunnels, and volcanoes. In terms of scenery, this route, arguably, has it all.
Around 12 km (7 mi) of the highway is in very, very poor condition and paved with gravel but is fine to drive as long as you’re careful. Undoubtedly, some riders will enjoy this part of the road more than others.
Don’t let the word ‘highway’ fool you, the Forgotten World Highway has twists and near sheer drops that wouldn’t look out of place on rural mountainous roads. This, combined with the slippery gravel surface in the Tangarakau Gorge has led police to name State Highway 43 as one of the 10 worst roads in New Zealand.
How many kilometres is it / How long does it take to ride it? The Forgotten World Highway is 155 km (96 mi) long and it takes around three to four hours to ride nonstop. But, we recommend making it a one or two day trip, spending a night or two in the towns dotted along the way.
Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way? You won’t find much in terms of supplies along the way, so make sure to take what you need with you. The towns of Inglewood, Taumarunui, and Stratford are great places to stay. There are also campgrounds in Matahiwi, Taumarunui, Whangamomona, and Stratford.
Interesting sights on the route? There are four natural saddle sites along the route. Strathmore Saddle offers stunning views of the Tongariro, Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe, and Taranaki volcanoes. Pohokura Saddle, in Tanaraki, overlooks a lush green valley hidden between the hills. Whangamomona Saddle provides a spectacular view of a beach and Podocarp forest.
Whangamomona is probably the most well-known stop on the route. The village is known for ‘Republic Day’. Activities such as sheep races, gumboot throwing, whip cracking, possum skinning, and shootouts attract tourists to Whangamomona. The Whangamomona Hotel is a classic country pub/hotel that’s hard to miss. Passports can be bought at the hotel to ensure safe passage through the republic.
The route gives you a chance to see Mt Damper Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls on the North Island. In fact, Mt Damper Falls is included in New Zealand’s ‘must-see waterfalls’ list. The road also follows the floor of the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge and, for 20km, the scenic Wanganui River.
Another famous sight on the route is the Moki Tunnel, also known as the Hobbit’s Hole, which is a 20-meter long single land tunnel. Some other highlights along the highway are the Bridge to Somewhere, Makahu Tunnel, and Maraekowhai and Te Maire Reserves.
What is the best time of year to travel the route? Summer and spring are good times to ride the Forgotten World Highway, but winter is ok too. The weather in winter doesn’t get too hazardous, just make sure you bring the right gear as temperatures do drop.
Is the route ever closed over winter? The Forgotten World Highway is open all year round and can be enjoyed even in winter.
Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route? Make sure to fuel up in Stratford town as there are no petrol stations on the highway. The next petrol station is in Taumarunui.
Photo credit: Esmée Winnubst / CC BY Photo credit: Murray Foubister / CC BY Photo credit: itravelNZ® – New Zealand in your pocket™ / CC BY Photo credit: Murray Foubister / CC BY Photo credit: Rachel Roberts / CC BY Photo credit: itravelNZ® – New Zealand in your pocket™ / CC BY
