The Forgotten Highway

I’ve waited more than 50 years to visit the Taranaki region. I’ve always wanted to see the iconic (and conical) Mt Taranaki up close. Therefore I was delighted when Garry and I decided to base ourselves in New Plymouth for three nights including New Year's Eve. However, getting there ultimately proved to be half the fun. We decided to drive from the Central Plateau to the coast via the remote and wild Forgotten Highway. This 155km road winds through some of the North Island’s most rugged terrain linking Taumarunui with Stratford and the Taranaki plains.

However, before we wound our way through the wilderness we took time out to experience the 5 Tunnel Tour. This is an intriguing 16km journey via golf carts along an abandoned railway line that once linked Taumarunui with Stratford. The tour is operated by Forgotten World Railway. It takes visitors from Okahukura through 5 tunnels, including one that’s 1.5km long, through hill country farmland and native bush to the rural community of Matiere. Garry loved it. 

We then drove the full length of The Forgotten Highway, stopping several times to soak in the stunning scenery that opened up around almost every corner. Highlights included the winding, and wild Tangarakau Gorge, the remote Whangamomona Hotel and our first glimpse through evening skies of Mt Taranaki’s soaring peak from the top of the Whangamomona Saddle.

Whangamomona is a fascinating place. This sleepy village is the capital of The Republic of Whangamomona. The public was formed in 1988 after the local council planned to split Whangamomona into two regions: Taranaki and Manawatu-Wanganui districts. The locals were mortified as they'd always seen themselves as part of Taranaki. They were equally angered by the lack of consultation about the change. In response, the residents declared Whangamomona as a republic and appointed their own president.