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While it's only 150 kilometres long, the Forgotten World Highway is a highly
memorable driving journey.
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| Cherry Grove in Taumaranui is the main entry point for kayakers and jet boats. |
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Built on colonial bridle paths formed in the late 19th century, the highway is
remote and mysterious to the extreme. "A bit upsy downsy" is how one local resident
puts it - a classic New Zealand understatement to describe a road that hugs the
rugged contours of the land to provide a natural roller coaster experience.
Route Summary
The Forgotten World Highway can be approached from Stratford or Taumarunui. It
wriggles its way over four mountain saddles, through an eerie one-way tunnel and
along a sinuous river gorge. The only significant settlement on the way is Whangamomona,
where the historic hotel is known for its hospitality.
Key Features
Forgotten is its name, but this route is really a journey of remembrance. Along
its length there are constant reminders of settlers who tried to scratch out a
living in the wild, isolated hill country. At the Stratford end of the highway,
there's a side road leading to the evocatively named 'Bridge to Somewhere' (in
response to the Whanganui National Park's famous 'Bridge to Nowhere'). Further
on is the almost-ghost town of Whangamomona, which flourished in the early 1900s
but went into decline after the great flood of 1924. An abandoned coal mining
village, the remains of a flour mill and various river boat landings are other
signs of days gone by. For a deeper understanding of local history, follow the
sign from Aukopae Landing to Nukunuku Museum.
History is one reason to choose this route, scenery is another. From the top
of the ragged Strathmore Saddle you'll see the three volcanoes of Tongariro National
Park to the east and the snow-topped cone of Mount Taranaki to the west. The Whangamomona
Saddle provides a spectacular view of native beech and podocarp forest - if you
have time, park and enjoy the three-hour circular walk that begins here. Tahora
Saddle is another place to admire the central plateau volcanoes, and there are
Maori pa sites visible on hilltops to the west and east. To see one of the highest
waterfalls in the North Island, follow the Moki Forest Road to Mount Damper Falls
- an 85 metre tumble of pristine H2O.
Unusual man-made landscape features will capture your imagination on this journey.
The historic 180-metre Moki Tunnel, built in the 1930s, takes you through the
heart of a hill. At Maraekowhai Reserve you can see the niu poles. The war pole,
Rongo niu, was built in 1864 by the Hauhau warriors to make them invincible to
musket fire. The corresponding peace pole, Rere kore, was built at the end of
hostilities.
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