Forgotten World Highway: A 2-Day Road Trip Through New Zealand’s Back Country
The Forgotten World Highway is one of the most remote drives in the North Island. It follows State Highway 43 for about 150 km from Taumarunui to Stratford. Along the way you cross four mountain saddles and pass through a narrow single-lane tunnel. You also get to visit a tiny village that once declared itself a republic. The drive can be done in an afternoon. However, two days gives you time for the walks, the history and the slow pace that makes this road special.
What Is the Forgotten World Highway?
The Forgotten World Highway is the touring name for State Highway 43. The route links Taumarunui in the King Country with Stratford in Taranaki. It follows old Māori trade routes and colonial bridle paths that surveyors first mapped in the late 1800s. Work on the road dragged on for about 50 years and it finally opened in 1945. Today it carries only around 170 vehicles a day, so you will often have long stretches to yourself.
The name suits the place. Settlers cleared much of this land for farming, but many of them later walked away and the bush slowly returned. Old railway tunnels, empty settlements and a pioneer grave now sit beside the road. The Stratford to Okahukura railway line also runs close to the highway for much of the way. Together they give the drive a quiet and slightly eerie feel that busier routes simply do not have.
Forgotten World Highway Map
Take a look at the map to see how the route fits together before you set off. It shows the full 150 km of State Highway 43 from Taumarunui in the east to Stratford in the west, with the main stops in driving order.
Planning Your Forgotten World Highway Road Trip
The biggest change in recent years is the road surface. For a long time the 12 km section through the Tangarakau Gorge was gravel. That stretch was the last unsealed part of the state highway network in New Zealand. Crews finished sealing it in February 2025, so the whole route is now tar-sealed. The road is still narrow and winding though, and some parts are only one lane wide. If you are new to local roads, read our guide to driving in New Zealand before you go.
Before you set off, keep these points in mind:
- Fill up with fuel. There are no petrol stations between Taumarunui and Stratford.
- Expect no phone signal. Mobile coverage drops out for most of the route, so download offline maps or use our New Zealand route planner first.
- Pack food and water. The Whangamomona Hotel is the only place that serves meals all year round.
- Watch for stock. Sheep, goats and cattle often wander onto the road.
- Check your vehicle height. The Moki Tunnel has a clearance of about 4.5 m.
Most campervans and motorhomes handle the road well when driven with care. Allow extra time and use the pull-over bays to let faster local traffic pass.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Driving straight from Taumarunui to Stratford takes around two and a half to three hours. That figure does not include stops, and most people stop often. The two-day plan below breaks the trip at Whangamomona, which sits roughly halfway along. This leaves time for short walks, a waterfall detour and a relaxed evening at the local pub. You can drive the route in either direction. This guide starts in the east and finishes in Taranaki.
Day 1: Taumarunui to Whangamomona
Start in Taumarunui
Taumarunui sits beside the Whanganui River in the Ruapehu district and is the eastern gateway to the Forgotten World Highway. Fill the tank, stock up on snacks and check the road status sign before you leave. If you have a spare morning, consider a rail cart trip with Forgotten World Adventures. Their self-drive carts run along the old railway line through tunnels and over high bridges. The 2026/27 season runs from 10 October 2026 to 15 May 2027.
Tangarakau Gorge and Joshua Morgan’s Grave
The Tangarakau Gorge is one of the prettiest sections of the drive. Native bush grows thick along the river and the cliffs rise close to the road. Stop near the bridge to visit the grave of Joshua Morgan. He was the surveyor who mapped this road, and he fell ill and died here in March 1893 at just 35. His men could not carry him out of the bush, so they buried him beside the river. The site has a short walk, an information panel and a public toilet.
Moki Tunnel and Mount Damper Falls
Next comes the Moki Tunnel, the most photographed stop on the route. This 180 m single-lane tunnel was built in the 1930s and locals call it the Hobbit’s Hole. Its floor was later lowered so that taller trucks could fit through. Turn your lights on, check for oncoming traffic and enjoy the short ride through the rock.
Near the tunnel, a side road leads about 15 km to Mount Damper Falls. A 20-minute walk across farmland brings you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the North Island. The track crosses private land and usually closes for lambing from August to the end of October. Check access before you make the detour.
Tahora Saddle and an Evening in Whangamomona
Tahora Saddle offers wide views over rolling hills, railway tunnels and old pā sites. From here it is a short drive to Whangamomona (Whangamōmona), your stop for the night.
Whangamomona is the heart of the drive. In 1989 regional boundaries were redrawn and the village was moved out of Taranaki. The locals were not happy, so they declared their own republic on 1 November 1989. The joke stuck. Today you can get a passport stamp at the Whangamomona Hotel, which also offers rooms, meals and a cold drink. Every two years the village holds Republic Day in January, and the next one is due in January 2027. Thousands of visitors turn up for the sheep races and the election of a new president.
Day 2: Whangamomona to Stratford
Whangamomona and Pohokura Saddles
Take the morning slowly with breakfast at the hotel. The road west climbs over the Whangamomona Saddle and then the Pohokura Saddle. Both have quiet lookouts over steep green valleys. Traffic is light early in the day, which makes it a good time to stop for photos.
Strathmore Saddle
Strathmore Saddle is the last of the four saddles and probably the best viewpoint on the Forgotten World Highway. On a clear day you can see Mount Taranaki to the west. You can also spot Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro to the east. Picnic tables make it a fine place for a break. After the saddle the land flattens into green dairy country as you head towards Stratford.
Arrive in Stratford
Stratford marks the western end of State Highway 43. The town is known for its streets named after Shakespeare characters and its glockenspiel clock tower. Egmont National Park is only a short drive away, and fit hikers can even tackle the Mount Taranaki summit track. You can also carry on to New Plymouth and pick up Surf Highway 45 for the next leg of your trip.
Things to Do on the Forgotten World Highway
If you want a quick checklist, these are the top things to do on the Forgotten World Highway:
- Drive through the Moki Tunnel
- Get a passport stamp in the Republic of Whangamomona
- Walk to Mount Damper Falls outside lambing season
- Visit Joshua Morgan’s grave in the Tangarakau Gorge
- Take in the mountain views from Strathmore Saddle
- Ride a rail cart on the old Stratford to Okahukura line
Best Time for a Forgotten World Highway Road Trip
Late spring to early autumn is the best window for this drive. Summer brings long days, warmer weather and the full rail cart season. It is also when Republic Day falls in the years it is held. Winter can bring fog, frost and slips that close the road for short periods. For this reason, check the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi journey planner before you leave, especially after heavy rain.
Final Thoughts
The Forgotten World Highway is not a road for rushing. It rewards travellers who stop at the lookouts, read the history boards and chat with locals at the pub. Two days is enough to enjoy the tunnel, the gorge and the republic without feeling hurried. The route also links neatly with the Thermal Explorer Highway if you are coming from Rotorua or Taupō. Fill the tank, pack a picnic and leave the phone signal behind. Your Forgotten World Highway road trip from Taumarunui to Stratford will be one of the most unusual journeys you take in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the Forgotten World Highway?
The drive takes about two and a half to three hours without stops. Most travellers spend a full day on it or split it over two days.
Is the Forgotten World Highway sealed?
Yes. The final gravel section through the Tangarakau Gorge was sealed in early 2025. The road is still narrow and winding, so take your time.
Is the Forgotten World Highway suitable for campervans?
Yes, most campervans and motorhomes can drive it. Make sure your vehicle fits the 4.5 m clearance of the Moki Tunnel and allow extra time on the bends.
Are there petrol stations on the Forgotten World Highway?
No. There is no fuel along the 150 km route. Fill your tank in Taumarunui or Stratford before you start.
Why is it called the Forgotten World Highway?
The name reflects how remote the area feels. Farms, villages and a railway were built here and later declined. The result is a landscape that seems to have been left behind by the modern world.
Is the Forgotten World Highway worth driving?
Yes, if you enjoy history, quiet roads and slow travel. If you are short on time you may prefer a faster route. However, travellers who give it a day or two usually find it one of the most memorable drives in the North Island.