RoadAtlas
Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Forgotten World Highway

New Zealand

Point-to-point
Stratford Taumarunui

In short: Forgotten World Highway is a 155 km scenic road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 1 long day, best in October to April. Highlights: Stratford, Whangamomona, Moki Tunnel.

Distance
155 km
Duration
1 long day
Best Season
October to April
IconicModerateScenicEV-friendly

New Zealand’s Forgotten World Highway follows SH43 through remote hill country between Stratford and Taumarunui. It climbs over the Whangamomona Saddle, threads past lonely farmland and river valleys, and pauses at quirky Whangamomona, a self-declared republic that captures the route’s isolated, frontier character.

Practical notes
SH43 is narrow, winding and service-poor, and active bridge, drainage and underslip work can add stop/go delays. Check NZTA Journey Planner and the SH43 project page (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh43-forgotten-world-highway) immediately before departure, fuel in Stratford or Taumarunui, allow at least 30 extra minutes plus a closure contingency, and do not rely on mobile coverage.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Stratford to Taumarunui on SH43

Whangamomona village · Moki Tunnel and Tangarakau Gorge · Funky Moose Cafe

Stops along the route

Stratford — Departure — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Departure
Stratford
Fuel and check SH43 conditions before the remote crossing.
Whangamomona — City — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
City
Whangamomona
The historic settlement is the route's natural meal and heritage stop.
Taumarunui — Arrival — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Arrival
Taumarunui
Refuel and finish after the full SH43 crossing.

Things to Do

Moki Tunnel — Landmark — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Landmark
Moki Tunnel
The single-lane unsealed tunnel is a defining SH43 road feature.
Tangarakau Gorge — Nature — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Nature
Tangarakau Gorge
Drive the narrow gorge section slowly and stop only where safely off-road.
Mount Damper Falls — Nature — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Nature
Mount Damper Falls
This is an optional timed side-road walk, not a mandatory stop.
Whangamomona village — Historic settlement — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Historic settlement
Whangamomona village
Keep the republic sign and village as the central leg-stretch rather than spending time at Stratford town sights.
Moki Tunnel and Tangarakau Gorge — Scenic road stops — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Scenic road stops
Moki Tunnel and Tangarakau Gorge
Drive the defining unsealed tunnel-and-gorge section slowly and stop only where safely off the carriageway.
Mount Damper Falls Track — Optional waterfall walk — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Optional waterfall walk
Mount Damper Falls Track
Add this side-road walk only with an early start, good weather and enough daylight; otherwise continue to Taumarunui.

Where to Eat

Funky Moose Cafe — Cafe — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Cafe
Funky Moose Cafe
Breakfast in Stratford before services thin out.
Whangamomona Hotel — Country pub meals — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Country pub meals
Whangamomona Hotel
Plan lunch here only after confirming the current opening day and hours.
Mint Cafe — Cafe — Forgotten World Highway — New Zealand
Cafe
Mint Cafe
A practical Taumarunui finish if arrival is within opening hours.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Forgotten World Highway drive?

The Forgotten World Highway covers 155 km from start to finish.

How long does the Forgotten World Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 long day on the Forgotten World Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Forgotten World Highway?

The recommended season for the Forgotten World Highway is October to April.

Where does the Forgotten World Highway start and end?

The Forgotten World Highway runs from Stratford to Taumarunui.

What are the main stops on the Forgotten World Highway?

The Forgotten World Highway passes through Stratford, Whangamomona, Moki Tunnel.

How difficult is the Forgotten World Highway to drive?

The Forgotten World Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Forgotten World Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Forgotten World Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Forgotten World Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Forgotten World Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Forgotten World Highway safe to drive?

SH43 is narrow, winding and service-poor, and active bridge, drainage and underslip work can add stop/go delays. Check NZTA Journey Planner and the SH43 project page (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh43-forgotten-world-highway) immediately before departure, fuel in Stratford or Taumarunui, allow at least 30 extra minutes plus a closure contingency, and do not rely on mobile coverage.

What scenic tier is the Forgotten World Highway?

The Forgotten World Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.