Forgotten World Highway
New Zealand, oceania
150 km
540 m
moderate
October-April (New Zealand summer and autumn)
The Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) is a 150-kilometer road connecting Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country region of New Zealand's North Island. The road winds through some of the most remote and sparsely populated countryside in the country, passing through a landscape that seems frozen in time with abandoned settlements, historic tunnels, and dense native bush.
The highway traverses the Tangarakau Gorge, a deep forested valley so remote that it was one of the last areas of the North Island to be mapped. The road passes through the Moki Tunnel, a hand-hewn passage through solid rock, and over saddle points with views of Mount Taranaki's perfect volcanic cone. The tiny settlement of Whangamomona, population roughly 30, famously declared itself an independent republic in 1989 and continues to issue its own passports. The highway is the only road in New Zealand that passes through a genuine ghost town: the abandoned coal mining village of Tangarakau.
Where is it?
Forgotten World Highway is located in Taranaki / King Country, New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -39.0000, 174.5000
Driving Tips
A 12 km section through the Tangarakau Gorge is unpaved, so take it slow. Fuel up before starting as there are no gas stations on the highway. Stop at the Whangamomona Hotel for a meal and get your republic passport stamped. Allow 3-4 hours for the drive with stops. Cell phone coverage is nonexistent for most of the route.
Road Surface
Mostly paved with one significant gravel section, winding and narrow
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Region
- Taranaki / King Country
- Length
- 150 km
- Max Elevation
- 540 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Mostly paved with one significant gravel section, winding and narrow
- Best Season
- October-April (New Zealand summer and autumn)
- Coordinates
- -39.0000, 174.5000
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