Forgotten World Highway

The Forgotten World Highway (SH 43) is one of New Zealand's most epic road trips—a 155 km ribbon of sealed and gravel road that winds through the remote, rugged heart of Taranaki and the King Country. This is a journey into a landscape of dense native forest, abandoned settlements, and dramatic gorges, where the only sounds are birdsong and the rumble of your engine. The road follows ancient Māori trails and pioneer routes, passing through the historic Whangamōmona valley, a ghost town that still holds a defiant annual festival. For travellers seeking a genuine off-the-beaten-path experience, this highway delivers raw, untamed beauty and a palpable sense of isolation.

Highlights & What to See

• Whangamōmona – This tiny, quirky settlement is the highway's star. Visit the Whangamōmona Hotel for a drink, snap a photo with the giant sheep statue, and explore the old jail and schoolhouse. The town famously declared itself a republic in 1989 in a dispute over road maintenance.
• Moki Tunnel (Hobbit's Hole) – A hand-dug tunnel through solid rock, built by a farmer in the 1930s. It's unlit, unpaved, and narrow—drive slowly and honk before entering.
• Tangarakau Gorge – A spectacular stretch where the road clings to sheer cliffs above the Tangarakau River, with lush rainforest and ferns dripping from the rock walls.
• Forgotten World Adventures – For a unique twist, take a guided rail cart tour along the old railway line that parallels the highway, exploring tunnels and viaducts.
• Bridget’s Tunnel – Another historic tunnel, longer and darker than Moki, with a haunting atmosphere.
• Mount Taranaki views – On clear days, the volcanic cone dominates the horizon from several viewpoints along the western end of the route.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate a full day for the drive from start to finish (Taumarunui to Stratford or vice versa), allowing 3–4 hours of driving plus plenty of stops. Better yet, take two days: break the journey at the Whangamōmona Hotel (basic accommodation available) or camp at one of the DOC campsites. This lets you explore side walks, soak in the hot pools near Tokirima, and truly absorb the solitude.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• New Plymouth – The vibrant coastal city offers excellent dining, galleries, and the iconic Len Lye Centre. It's a perfect base for exploring western Taranaki.
• Mount Taranaki & Egmont National Park – Hike the Pouakai Circuit or summit the volcano (for experienced climbers). The park's alpine and subalpine scenery is world-class.
• Taumarunui – The eastern gateway, known for the Northern Explorer train and river adventures on the Whanganui River.
• Stratford – A charming town with a Shakespearean theme, home to the Taranaki Pioneer Village and the start of the highway's western end.
• Whanganui River Road – A scenic alternative route that follows the river through Māori settlements and historic sites, connecting to Pipiriki and the Bridge to Nowhere.

Please check official sources for current details.