The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui
A 150 km drive over three hill saddles through a thinly settled stretch of Taranaki and the King Country.
- Distance
- 236 km (147 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 34 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 9
- States
- New Zealand
- Updated
- May 9, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 236 km (147 mi) with 9 stops, from New Plymouth to Ōhakune. About 2 h 34 min of driving in total.
More road trips in New Zealand
Route description
SH43 runs about 150 km from Stratford to Taumarunui and takes around three hours without stops. It is narrow and winding over three saddles, with few overtaking places, and there is no fuel between the two towns. Fill your tank at Stratford and carry food and water. Mobile coverage is poor, so tell someone your plan before you set out.
Recent NZTA works have sealed the former gravel section through the Tangarakau Gorge, but check the NZTA journey planner for roadworks and slips, which close the road after heavy rain. Allow extra time for photos at the lookouts and for one-lane bridges, where you must give way when signs say so. Campervans should take the bends slowly and use low gear on the descents.
Whangamōmona, about 60 km from Stratford, is the one real stop. The village declared itself a republic in 1989, and the hotel will stamp your passport. Stay in the campground beside it, where facilities are basic, or have lunch at the hotel. Check opening times before you arrive, because services are limited outside summer, and keep cash as a backup in case card payments fail.
After the last saddle, the road descends to Taumarunui on the Whanganui River, where there are fuel, shops and holiday parks. From here SH4 runs south through the King Country to National Park and Ōhakune, about 70 km and 40 minutes to the first. Start early in the day, so the whole drive is finished in daylight, and check the NZTA journey planner for closures before you leave.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
New Plymouth
New Zealand - 243 km
Stratford
New Zealand - 30 km
Stratford Glockenspiel Clock Tower
OdditiesStratford, New ZealandA clock tower in the centre of Stratford whose figures act out scenes from Romeo and Juliet four times a day, with a chime and a recorded commentary. The town names its streets after Shakespeare characters. Time your stop for the show, then walk to the cafes.
- 454 km
Whangamōmona
New Zealand - 50 km
Whangamōmona Hotel
HistoryWhangamōmona, New ZealandA historic 1911 hotel on the Forgotten World Highway, in a village that declared itself a republic in 1989 as a protest at a boundary change. Stop for a meal or a drink and a stamp for your passport. Opening hours vary, so call ahead.
- 60 km
Whangamōmona Domain Camping Ground
HistoryWhangamōmona, New ZealandA basic domain camping ground in the village of Whangamōmona, near the hotel on SH43. It is used by travellers on the Forgotten World Highway, who need to carry food and fuel in advance. Check the current fees and facilities before you arrive, and expect few services.
- 764 km
Taumarunui
New Zealand - 844 km
National Park
New Zealand - 930 km
Ōhakune
New Zealand
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: New Plymouth → Whangamōmona Domain Camping Ground · 98 km · 1 h 04 minOn the way: Stratford, Stratford Glockenspiel Clock Tower, Whangamōmona, Whangamōmona Hotel.
- Day 2: Whangamōmona Domain Camping Ground → Ōhakune · 138 km · 1 h 30 minOn the way: Taumarunui, National Park.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, June, August–September and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui?
2-day road trip of about 236 km (147 mi) with 9 stops, from New Plymouth to Ōhakune. About 2 h 34 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui?
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 34 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui start and end?
It starts in New Plymouth and ends in Ōhakune.
Which states does The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui pass through?
New Zealand.
When is the best time for The Forgotten World Highway from Stratford to Taumarunui?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February, June, August–September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
