Forgotten World Highway SH43 — Stratford toTaumarunui.
Distance
155 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
800 m
Forgotten World Highway SH43 — Stratford to Taumarunui.
State Highway 43 between Stratford in Taranaki and Taumarunui in the King Country is the loneliest sealed road in the North Island — 155km of tight ridge twisties, four bush saddles, the unlit one-lane Moki Tunnel, the Republic of Whangamomona, and zero fuel between the ends. The road was completed in 1945 after 50 years of construction; some rural sections remain narrow gravel. Carry food, water, and full tanks. Plan a half-day even though it's only 155km.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance155 km
Days1
Total climb800 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
StratfordStart · Start in Stratford under the eastern face of Mt Taranaki. Fuel up — there is NO fuel for 155km until Taumarunui. Buy a sandwich.
Strathmore SaddleMountain Pass · First of four saddles. Sheep paddocks and the Whangamomona Range opening up to the east. Watch for cattle on the road.
Whangamomona HotelRestaurant · The Republic of Whangamomona — declared independence in 1989 over a council boundary change. Get your passport stamped at the pub. Lunch is venison pie + Speights.
Tahora SaddleScenic Point · Third saddle, the highest at 480m. The view back over the Whangamomona Valley is the route's defining image. Roadside parking pull-out.
Moki Tunnel ("Hobbit's Hole")Scenic Point · One-lane unlit tunnel bored straight through a ridge in 1936. Pitch black inside — flick on your high beam and listen for oncoming engines. 180m of pure SH43 character.
Tangarakau GorgeScenic Point · The road weaves the Tangarakau River gorge through native bush. Some short sealed-then-gravel sections survive here as of 2026. Take it easy on cool damp tarmac.
TaumarunuiEnd · End in Taumarunui on the Whanganui River. First reliable fuel and a cold beer at the Forgotten World Adventures cafe. Total elapsed time often 4–5 hours despite only 155km — that is by design.
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