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Forgotten World Highway
Scenic Route
· North Island
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/ On State Highway 43Photo: itravelNZ® - New Zealand in your pocket™, CC BY, flickr.com -
/ Forgotten World HighwayPhoto: Pavel Špindler, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
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/ The hinterland of New ZealandPhoto: Pavel Špindler, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
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/ Signpost of Forgotten World HighwayPhoto: itravelNZ® - New Zealand in your pocket™, CC BY, flickr.com
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/ One of the narrow tunnels along the routePhoto: Karora, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
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/ Mount TaranakiPhoto: Phillip Capper, CC BY, flickr.com
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/ Tangarakau BridgePhoto: Phillip Capper, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
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/ Egmont National ParkPhoto: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
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/ Fraction of Egmont National ParkPhoto: Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
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/ Mount Taranaki by nightPhoto: Phillip Capper, flickr.com
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/ Taranaki in the tranquil hinterlandPhoto: Rich Childs, CC BY, Wikimedia Commons
The north of New Zealand still seems to be a white spot on the map, but that’s exactly what makes this destination so charming, The legendary Forgotten World Highway takes you on a trip to several stunning sights, such as the beautiful Egmont National Park, the breathtaking Tangarakau Gorge - and even to the smallest republic in the world.
149 km
2:12 h
1,845 m
1,705 m
On about 90 miles of length this scenic route makes you discover the tranquil hinterland of new Zealand’s northern island. It follows the former State Highway 43 from the city of Stratford to the city of Taumarunui. The road was constructed in the late 19th century, but it hasn’t lost none of its charm. Crossing vast areas of unspoiled nature, it offers spectacular views of the hinterland. The scenic road is still pretty untraveled and stops by several distinct locations, such as Whangamomona, one of the smallest republics in the world. The route extends from the city of Stratford to the vast Egmont National Park, with an ever-changing landscape spanning from mountain saddles and impressive gorges to spectacular tunnels. Along the way, you will see from afar the stunning peak of Mount Taranaki, the heart of Egmont National Park. But don’t miss to stop by the route’s hidden treasure: Tangarakau Gorge, a deep and narrow valley with steep sides formed by Tangarakau river.
Author’s recommendation
At the end of the route you should schedule at least half a day for visiting Egmont National Park. It is just a few kilometers from Stratford.
Author
Wolfgang Paulus
Updated: February 20, 2018
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
345 m
Lowest point
133 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
This route includes one-lane tunnels and further narrow passages, so please drive carefully and mind the speed limits.Start
Stratford (174 m)
Coordinates:
DD
-38.883894, 175.255328
DMS
38°53'02.0"S 175°15'19.2"E
UTM
60H 348674 5694661
w3w
///huddle.exacts.best
Destination
Taumarunui
Turn-by-turn directions
Departing from the city of Taumarunui, we head southwards on State Highway 43 (SH43) alongside Whanganui river. After approximately 20 miles turns southwards, but we continue in western direction. Leaving behind the small town of Aukopae, we cross Whanganui River. After a total of 12 miles we get to the Tangarakan River. Following it for approximately 7,5 miles, we pass Tangarakan Gorge and continue in southern direction, while the river turns east. After further 3 miles we cross the settlement of Tahora and reach Whangamomona after further 9 miles. Cotinuing on SH43, we cross the small town of Strathmore heading southwest until we reach the city of Stratford. Now we can explore the famous Egmont National Park and Mount Taranaki in the west of the town.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
From the airport of Wellington (WLG) to Stratford via bus line Wellington Airport - New Plymouth (total length: approx. 7 hours).Getting there
From the airport of Wellington (WLG) to Stratford via State Highway 1 and 3 (total distance: approx. 200 miles).Parking
Along the route there usually aren’t any signposted parking areas, so please inform beforehand about the local parking areas.Coordinates
DD
-38.883894, 175.255328
DMS
38°53'02.0"S 175°15'19.2"E
UTM
60H 348674 5694661
w3w
///huddle.exacts.best
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Equipment
You need solid footwear, weatherproof clothing and enough to drink (preferably water). As there are no gas stations or restaurants along the way, you need to refuel beforehand and take a petrol can with you.Distance
149 km
Duration
2:12 h
Ascent
1,845 m
Descent
1,705 m
Statistics
Maps and trails
: h
km
m
m
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Questions and answers
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