Rediscover New Zealand’s Oldest Heritage Trail
How can you not be intrigued by a road called the “Forgotten World Highway”? It is so-called due to the fact that it’s New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail. So whether you’re taking the few hours drive or a few days bike ride, there are many reasons worth stopping for on this 155km (96 miles) highway between Stratford and Taumarunui. Find snippets of history in the remnants of forgotten tunnels. Locate old Maori pa sites left from this Maori trading route. There are even hikes into native forest to give you a taste of how New Zealand was before humans discovered the country.
So when you are backpacking through the North Island of New Zealand, don’t miss the Forgotten Highway 43 on your road trip itinerary. Find out more details about this scenic state highway here.
1. Taranaki Pioneer Village
This very unique outdoor museum includes around 30 buildings taking you back in time when the pioneers first settled in New Zealand. This is a couple of kilometres away from the beginning of the Forgotten World Highway.
Location: Just before you take the Forgotten World Highway, on State Highway 3 just south of Stratford.
© Pioneer Village2. Strathmore Saddle
The first of four saddles on the Forgotten World Highway offers a spectacular view of the volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe and Taranaki.
Location: All on the Forgotten World Highway.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Makahu Tunnel
This pioneer tunnel was the main access to the Makahu and Puniwhakau valleys in the early 1900s.
Location: About 15km (9 miles) from Strathmore on the Forgotten World Highway, take the road to Makahu then continue on the Upper Mangaehu Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Matemateaonga Walkway
“Walkway”?! More like a tough tramp through dense forest to reach the stunning Whanganui River be prepared. Find out more information on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.
Location: About 23km (14 miles) from Strathmore on the Forgotten World Highway, take the road to Makahu then continue on the Upper Mangaehu Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Bridge to Somewhere
Unlike the famous Bridge to Nowhere, this bridge leads to somewhere. The bridge is, in its design, very similar to the Bridge to Nowhere that was built around the same time.
Location: From Strathmore on the Forgotten World Highway, take the road to Makahu then continue on the Upper Mangaehu Road for 23km (14 miles) which then turns slightly left and becomes Whangamomona Road, Aotuhia. Here is the Bridge to Somewhere.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Pohokura Saddle
Named after a major Maori chief, the Saddle offers a great vantage view of the lush green valley hidden in between the hills.
Location: Part of the Forgotten World Highway.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Whangamomona
The Republic of Whangamomona is so unique that we gave it its own article. It’s worth going for a new passport stamp!
Location: On the Forgotten World Highway.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Whangamomona Saddle
Before leaving the republic, embark on a 3-hour journey through its history by following the Whangamomona Saddle that was built in the late 1800s by over 250 men living in tents for more than a decade.
Location: On the Forgotten World Highway.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Tahora
The last saddle of the highway overlooks mountains, railway tunnels, and three Maori pa sites.
Location: On the Forgotten World Highway.
© Pavel Špindler on Wikipedia10. Moki Tunnel
The narrow tunnel is commonly known as the “Hobbit’s Hole”, even proudly displaying this name on a sign at the entrance. Look around for fossilised giant crabs.
Location: On the Forgotten World Highway.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Mt Damper Falls
Spare an extra 20 minutes along the way to walk to the North Island’s second-highest waterfall, Mt Damper Falls. It looks especially awesome after a rainy night. For more waterfalls worth seeing, check out 12 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand.
Location: 15km (9 miles) from the Forgotten World Highway along Mokie Road, then Mangapapa Road then Okau Road.
© itravelNZ on Flickr12. Tangarakau Gorge
The gorge offers a magnificent path through a dense forest unique to the area. This is a traditional New Zealand postcard picture spot. This is also your gravel road section of the “highway”.
Location: On the Forgotten World Highway.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Raekohua Falls and Tangarakau (Ghost Town)
Follow the road to Tangarakau (Ghost Town), stay and the campsite and see this waterfall just off the roadside opposite a small parking area.
Location: Off the Forgotten World Highway down Raekohua Road on the way to Tangarakau.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Te Maire Reserve
This recognisable bridge marks the entrancement of the reserve that can be explored through the many walks available ranging from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours long. Find about the walks on the DOC website.
Location: From the Forgotten World Highway, take Paparoa Road to Te Maire Valley Road, signposted “Whanganui National Park, Te Maire”. Follow the road to multiple walking track signs.
© Michal Klajban (Hikingisgood.com)15. Taumarunui
The little town and its railway cafe are where your journey through the Forgotten World Highway will end. Take the time to explore the area and learn more about its Maori history. Taumarunui is part of the Ruapehu district.
Location: The beginning/end of the Forgotten World Highway!
© Bgabel on WikipediaMore About the Forgotten World Highway
- 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Whanganui National Park
- 10 Taranaki Must-Dos
- 10 Things to Do in Stratford
Plus, for more awesome routes for a road trip, check out the following itineraries:
- North Island in One Week: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
- South Island in One Week: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
- North Island in Two Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
- South Island in Two Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in Three Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
- New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Visit Taranaki (Regional tourism website)
- Taranaki Regional Council (Local council website)
- New Plymouth District Council (Local council website)
- South Taranaki District Council (Local council website)
- Stratford District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
