Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY
The 155km road between Stratford and Taumarunui (SH43) has become known as the Forgotten World Hwy. The
drive winds through hilly bush country with just a short section (around 11km) of unsealed road, passing Maori
pa
(fortified villages), abandoned coal mines and memorials to those long gone. Allow four hours and plenty of
stops, and fill up with petrol at either end (there's no petrol along the route itself). Pick up a pamphlet from i-
SITEs or DOC visitor centres in the area.
The town of
Whangamomona
(population 30) is a highlight. This quirky village declared itself an independ-
ent republic in 1989 after disagreements with local councils. The town celebrates Republic Day in January every
odd-numbered year, with a military-themed extravaganza. In the middle of town is the unmissable grand old
Whangamomona Hotel
( 06-762 5823;
www.whangamomonahotel.co.nz
; 6018 Forgotten World Hwy; ac-
commodation per person incl breakfast $75, mains $16-35;
11am-late), a pub offering simple accommodation
and big country meals.
If you're not driving,
Eastern Taranaki Experience
( 06-765 7482, 027 471 7136;
www.eastern-tarana-
ki.co.nz
; day trips per person from $60) runs tours through the area. See also Forgotten World Adventures (
Click
here
).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Surf Highway 45
Sweeping south from New Plymouth to Hawera, the 105km-long SH45 is known as Surf
Highway 45. There are plenty of black-sand beaches dotted along the route, but don't ex-
pect to see waves crashing ashore the whole way. The drive generally just undulates
through farmland - be ready to swerve for random tractors and cows. Pick up the
Surf
Highway 45
brochure at visitor centres.
Oakura
POP 1380
From New Plymouth, the first cab off the rank is laid-back Oakura, 15km southwest on
SH45. Its broad sweep of beach is hailed by waxheads for its right-hander breaks, but it's
also great for families (take sandals - that black sand gets scorching hot). A surf shop on
the main road,
Vertigo
( 06-752 7363;
www.vertigosurf.com
; lessons from $80; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri,
10am-4pm Sat)
, runs surfing and stand-up paddle-boarding lessons. See also Tarawave Surf
School (
Click here
)
.
Sleeping
