Forgotten World Highway
King Country's loneliest sealed highway
State Highway 43 cuts through 150 kilometers of King Country wilderness where sheep outnumber tourists 10,000 to one. This sealed but narrow mountain road winds past the Tangarakau Gorge’s limestone cliffs and through Whangamomona — population 4 — where the locals declared independence from New Zealand in 1989 and still issue their own passports. The route climbs over the Stratford-Okahukura saddle at 975 meters, threading between ancient Māori pā sites and abandoned railway tunnels from the failed Stratford-Okahukura line.
Don’t let the sealed surface fool you — this road demands respect. Stock vehicles handle it fine, but narrow one-lane sections, 180-degree hairpins, and wandering stock require full attention. Fuel up in Stratford or Taumarunui before committing to the route; Whangamomona’s single pump isn’t always reliable. Best tackled April through October when weather’s stable. The reward is pure solitude through some of North Island’s most untouched backcountry, plus bragging rights for completing one of New Zealand’s most remote sealed highways.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 93 mi / 150 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Stratford, Taranaki |
| Land manager | New Zealand Transport Agency |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nzta.govt.nz |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance to drive the Forgotten World Highway?
No. The highway is fully sealed the entire 150km, so any standard passenger car or campervan can handle it without issues. The road is narrow and winding in sections, but clearance is not a factor.
What's the best time of year to drive it, and are there winter closures?
April through October is the sweet spot — less traffic, cooler temps, and moody hill country atmosphere. The road stays open year-round but can get frost and fog in winter mornings, so early starts in June–August deserve caution on the winding sealed sections.
Are there any permits or fees required to drive the Forgotten World Highway?
No permits, no fees — it's a public state highway managed by NZTA. Just drive it.
What's the hardest or most demanding section to drive?
The stretch through the Tangarakau Gorge is the most committing — narrow sealed road, steep drops, no guardrails in places, and zero passing room if you meet a logging truck. Take it slow and stay left. It's not technically difficult, just demands your full attention.
Is there any cell service, fuel, or food along the route between Stratford and Taumarunui?
Cell service is effectively zero for most of the highway — assume none and plan accordingly. There is no fuel between Stratford and Taumarunui, so fill the tank at both ends before you go. The tiny settlement of Whangamomona has a pub that serves food, but hours are irregular — don't count on it as your only plan.
Trail track
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