The Forgotten World Highway is a historic 149km stretch of road in New Zealand’s North Island, running between Taumarunui in the King Country and Stratford in Taranaki. Known for its spectacular scenery and the quaint small towns dotted along the way, this is a drive that’s more about the adventure than the destination.
Traffic is minimal, the pace is unhurried, and the frontier spirit that shaped this region lingers in every valley and hilltop view. Before you set off, one practical note: there are no petrol stations along the highway itself, so fill up before you leave.
Why Drive the Forgotten World Highway?
The Forgotten World Highway is one of New Zealand’s most scenic road trips, taking travellers through remote countryside, historic settlements, native bush and rolling farmland rarely seen on traditional tourist routes. Highlights include the quirky Republic of Whangamōmona, the dramatic Moki Tunnel, Mt Damper Falls and the opportunity to explore the region by rail cart with Forgotten World Adventures.
Starting Point: Taumarunui
At the northern end, Taumarunui sits between two famous national parks — Whanganui and Tongariro.
Tongariro is home to volcanoes including Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe, the latter being the infamous Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings. With such abundant wilderness on its doorstep, Taumarunui is the perfect base for adventure — canoeing, trout fishing and jet boating are just a few of the options.
Along the Highway
Driving south, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, winding rivers and dense native bush.
Keep a camera handy throughout. Nevin’s Lookout offers panoramic views across the King Country, and a short detour along Moki Forest Road leads to Mt Damper Falls — a 74-metre waterfall hidden within native forest and one of the tallest waterfalls in the North Island.
There’s an unsealed section through this part of the journey, but the highway is suitable for all vehicles, including motorhomes.
Don’t miss the Moki Tunnel — a dark, unlit single-lane tunnel cut directly through the hillside. It’s one of the highway’s most memorable landmarks and adds a touch of mystery to the drive.
You may also pass riders on horseback along the way — a reminder of how this region was once travelled long before modern highways existed.
For something truly unique, Forgotten World Adventures offers self-drive rail cart experiences across tunnels, bridges and remote farmland. Tours range from short excursions to multi-day journeys through the heart of the region.
Whangamōmona
Stop in at Lauren’s Lavender Farm to wander through the purple-hued paddocks, browse handcrafted lavender products or enjoy a coffee in the garden café.
From here, it’s a short drive to Whangamōmona — the famous town that declared itself an independent republic in 1989 following local government boundary changes.
Be sure to stop at the historic hotel and pick up your very own Whangamōmona passport.
Finishing in Stratford
The final leg of the drive passes through the Whangamōmona Saddle, where sweeping views reward travellers who stop for a stretch before continuing on.
Stratford — named after Shakespeare’s birthplace — embraces its literary connection with themed street names and a Glockenspiel clock tower that performs scenes from Romeo and Juliet four times each day.
It’s also the gateway to Egmont National Park and the magnificent cone-shaped peak of Mount Taranaki.
South of Stratford, the Whanganui region offers a range of accommodation options, from centrally located hotels to peaceful rural cottages surrounded by native bush.
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Want to forget the modern world for a while?
Discover the Forgotten World Highway with New Zealand Holidays.