Itineraries

New Plymouth to Mokau

Distance 84 kms

Mokau

Head northeast on SH3 and you pass through Waitara. Check out the Manukorihi Pa at Owae Marae, and the Waitara Campaign Trail, which features battle sites from the New Zealand Wars. Carrying on up the coast you come across small towns such as Motonui, Urenui and Uruti.

Finally you come to Mokau, a small, picturesque village on the rugged west coast. Activities in and around the area include fishing, whitebaiting, kayaking and jet boating. Mokau is the last fuel stop heading north along that part of the coast until you reach Kawhia.

Forgotten World Highway 43

Imagine a world preserved by time… suspended infinitely in a lifestyle reminiscent of New Zealand’s pioneering days. A world where history and heritage are paramount, where Mother Nature takes the upper hand to protect her unique environment, and where passersby still enjoy a cheery wave from locals – the way this pioneering country used to be a century ago.

Close your eyes and you can almost hear the calls from farmers ploughing the dramatic hill country with mighty bullock-drawn blades; the laughter of country kids making their meandering way to tiny one-teacher schools via horseback; the long-anticipated social gathering in some isolated community hall ‘out the back of beyond’; and the careful tread of Maori warriors along ancient rainforest-covered trails linking North Taranaki with the south.

Forgotten is its name, but this route is really a journey of remembrance – a constant reminder of the determined settlers who tried – and most times failed – to scratch a living from its wild and isolated hill country. It’s no wonder this was New Zealand’s first Heritage Trail, with each of its special historic highlights signposted and explained along the way. If history is your passion, this highway is ideal. Meandering over huge saddles overlooking lush valleys and mountainous ranges, the road passes through historic pioneering districts that once hosted healthy communities… now passed back to Mother Nature’s bosom.

The 155km adventure begins in Stratford and ends in Taumarunui on the Central Plateau, with Mount Ruapehu looming in front of you. It follows ancient Maori trade routes and pioneering farm tracks, through ambitious historic settlements, untamed native bush and stunning natural scenery. Along the Forgotten World Highway, you’ll encounter a landscape where man and nature have fought each other for centuries and more than 30 historic or natural points of interest. You’ll still receive a wave from the locals as you pass. Whether you approach the Forgotten World Highway as a three-hour scenic link between the West Coast and the Central Plateau, or explore its many stories over several days, you’ll be treated to an adventure ‘like no other’.

The Journey Begins at Stratford
Named after Shakespeare’s birthplace, the streets of Stratford (1) reflect the Great Bard’s characters. The town is home to New Zealand’s only glockenspiel clock tower, which performs scenes from Romeo and Juliet at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm daily. Renowned as the gateway to Egmont National Park, Stratford is the last petrol station and major town before Taumarunui. Taranaki Pioneer Village (2), on the outskirts of Stratford, is worth a visit and sets the scene for a journey back in time through the Forgotten World Highway.

The Highway leaves Stratford via Regan Street, from the northern of the town’s two roundabouts. The first stop is the Whakaahurangi Maori Trail (3), a significant ancient route between North and South Taranaki, which now contains useful information on the road conditions through the Touring Route.

After passing through vivid green dairy country, the Highway reaches the village of Douglas. A quintessential Taranaki rural village, its fortunes have flourished and waned since its heyday in the 1890s - its prosperity dictated by that of its dairy factory. The Douglas Brick Kiln (4) is classified with the Historic Places Trust and closed in 1981 after turning local clay into bricks and tiles for over 60 years. The Kiln’s landmark 33m chimney was demolished in 1985 for safety reasons.

The Strathmore Saddle (5) is the first of four natural saddles along the Highway, and offers spectacular views of Mt Taranaki to the west, and Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaurahoe to the east. The saddle lies close to the fault line and surrounding hills display fossilized shells dating back to when this land lay on the ocean floor.

The village of Strathmore is another once vibrant frontier town that fed the pioneering expansion along this route. A surviving example of that growth is the Makahu Tunnel (6), which opened in 1907, giving access to the Makahu and Puniwhakau Valleys.

The Makahu Tunnel leads to the start of the Matemateaonga Walkway (7), a multi-day tramp through to the Whanganui River that can be experienced either as a return trip or one-way to Wanganui by jetboat. When these isolated valleys were first accessed in the early 1900s, scores of settlers flocked to make their living off the land – though most walked away heartbroken years later, beaten by the isolation and constantly encroaching bush.

The road leads on to the ‘Bridge to Somewhere’ (8), a substantial concrete bridge built in 1937 in an unlikely location, recalling the ambitions of these hardy pioneers. Allow 90 minutes return from Strathmore to reach the bridge – a sister to the even more isolated ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ on the Northern banks of the Whanganui River.

Beyond that the old Whangamomona Road takes a turn for the rugged, and becomes strictly for the dedicated four wheel drive, motor bike, mountain bike or tramper from here through to Whangamomona.

Back on the Forgotten World Highway, the next stop is Te Wera (9), an early Maori settlement and more recently the base for the 6500ha Te Wera Forest. The former New Zealand Forest Service campsite is still well used, and a number of walks lead from here through the forest and arboretum.The second of the  Highway’s saddles is the Pohokura Saddle (10), which provides a view into the  valley used as a large railway construction campsite in the 1880s, and is named after a prominent Maori Chief. The pass was first used by the Taumata-Mahoe Maori track and three major Taranaki rivers flow nearby - the Waitara, Patea and Whanganui. The early road over the saddle was so rough it took days to traverse.

The Whangamomona Saddle (11) also offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape with a backdrop of beech and Podocarp forest. Two walkways start at the saddle – a 100m walk and a three-hour loop track – and provide an insight into the terrain that confronted early surveyors and pioneer settlers.

Whangamomona: Valley of Plenty
First settled in 1895, the village of Whangamomona (12) was once a bustling frontier town, with up to 300  residents providing strong service links to the hardy farmers trying to wrestle a living from the nearby bush. The ‘great flood’ of 1924 put paid to the town’s expansion, and its population has since declined to around 30 residents. The village has a Historic Places Trust precinct ratings, and is centred around the iconic Whangamomona Hotel, which provides hearty meals and accommodation for locals and travelers alike. Whangamomona declared itself a republic in 1989, complete with its own presidential election. The famous Republic Day is held biannually in January and enjoyed by thousands of visitors. Passports to the Republic of Whangamomona are available from the Hotel. The memorial to Alice King (13), just north of Whangamomona, recognises this intrepid farmer and mother, who raised one of the first seven families to settle the area in 1884. Alice’s grave site is marked over the river by a stainless steel cross.

A Forgotten World
The final saddle of the journey at Tahora (14) offers another great vantage point and views of a prominent Maori Pa site, railway tunnels and the central North Island mountains. It is also home to the remote Back Country Accommodation, which seems to be at the top of the world, literally. A 6km detour from Tahora along Raekohua Road leads to the former Tangarakau Village (15), once home to a substantial community with 1200 residents, fuelled by construction of the nearby railway.

Back on the Forgotten World Highway, the road surface turns to gravel for 12km north of Tahora, through the 180m long Moki Tunnel (16). Built in 1936 and known locally as the Hobbit’s Hole, this single lane tunnel is home to fossilized giant crabs, harking back to the region’s geographic past. The tunnel’s floor was lowered in 1989 to allow access for triple-decked stock trucks.

Natural Delights
Shortly after the tunnel, a detour along Moki Road leads to a 20 minute walk to Mt Damper Falls (17). At 85m this is the North Island’s highest waterfall, and is a spectacular sight, particularly after heavy rain. Surrounded by dense native bush, the falls spill over a horseshoe-shaped papa bluff and eventually find their way to the Tongaporutu River, reaching the Tasman Sea in North Taranaki. The Moki Road runs through the Moki Forest (18), which features some of New Zealand’s fastest regenerating native bush traversed by walking tracks, old milling roads, and picnic spots, and is home to the endangered Kokako bird. The Forgotten World Highway returns to a sealed surface shortly after the Moki Road turnoff, before passing through the breathtaking Tangarakau Gorge (19), which marks the boundary between the Stratford and Ruapehu Districts. The Gorge offers an incredibly scenic passage through the magnificent Podocarp forest that still characterises the region.

Pioneering Ambitions
The final resting place of respected early surveyor Joshua Morgan (20), who died in 1892 at the age of 35, is marked by a memorial and a short walkway through native bush to his grave site. This memorial also remembers the many other pioneering farmers who sought their fortunes in this remote and inhospitable area.

One of the Forgotten World Highway’s historic settlements, Tatu (21) once featured four houses, a school and hall, though was overshadowed by the nearby town of Puketihi further up the valley which boasted 30 homes, a post office, two-teacher school and even a reticulated water supply. A remnant of the once prosperous coal mining industry in this area, the Tatu Mine Entrance (22) is located 6.5km along Waro Road, and can be accessed by foot in a two hour round trip. A greater insight into this area’s bustling past can be found in the Ohura Museum (23), a 10km diversion off the Forgotten World Highway.

Nevin’s Lookout (24) offers panoramic views of the Central North Island from a vantage point a short walk from the road. Please ensure the gate is shut behind you. Though the original Aorangi Flour Mill (27) no longer survives, the trenches used to carry water form the Opetea Stream to the mill wheel are still visible. The site sign is located on River Road opposite the Koiro Road junction.

The historically significant Maraekowhai Reserve (25), in the Whanganui National Park can be accessed along Paparoa Road. The reserve was a stronghold for Hauhau warriors, and the site of Rongo Nui – a war pole calling warriors to arms – in 1864, and Rere Kore – a peace pole to announce the end of hostilities – both of which are preserved on the site. A 20-minute walk leads to a viewing platform overlooking Ohura falls.

The early settlers made the most of the materials to hand, as much through necessity as choice. An example of this is one of the last remaining Papa Drive (26) that were used extensively as roading culverts in the 1900s.

The settlement of Aukopae was once home to an impressive tunnel (28) hewn from the papa landscape over a decade and completed in 1923. Made redundant by the road cutting in 1968, the tunnel can be seen on a 45 minute walk following the old road. Aukopae was also the site of a once bustling riverboat landing (29), where regular paddleboats navigated the Whanganui River with a cargo of settlers, supplies, and livestock. The landing is located
200m down Saddler Road. The Nukunuku Museum (30) is signposted from the Aukopau river landing, and features interesting displays of memorabilia from the area and the river boats.

A distinctive bridge leads to Te Maire Reserve (31) in the upper reaches of the Whanganui National Park. This towering Podocarp forest features a range of spectacular walks and can be a great way to spend a few hours. The significant geological site of Herlihy’s Bluffs (32) showcases the area’s ancient history through 1300m thick layers of coarse sandstone and fine mudstone. Causing a headache for roading construction over the last century, these bluffs date back 15-25 million years to when this part of New Zealand lay at the seabed.

Found Again
The journey through the Forgotten World Highway concludes in Taumarunui (33), at the junction of the Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers. Taumarunui holds great significance in both Maori and New Zealand history – it is the point of convergence for the Whanganui, Maniapoto and Tuwharetoa tribes, and has been an important location for New Zealand’s rail network since the pioneering era. From Taumarunui the Central North Island can be easily accessed.

Click here to view the Forgotten World Highway brochure with a map and points of interest.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

This award-winning walkway stretches almost the entire length of New Plymouth, and gives visitors a close-up experience of the Tasman Sea. Walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters can travel its 7km length from the mouth of the Waiwhakaiho River in the east to Ngamotu Beach in the west, passing in front of the city’s CBD along the way.

The eastern end takes walkers through a series of sand dunes, then on to Fitzroy Beach then East End Beach with its adjacent reserve and skate park. The central section of the walkway is the site of the biennial Te Kupenga Stone Symposium, with artists carving their sculptures in full public view. Adjacent to this is the central deck which features the 45m-high Len Lye kinetic sculpture, Wind Wand.

On its way westward the Coastal Walkway travels in front of the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre and down to the Lee Breakwater before ending at the family-friendly Ngamotu Beach. Mobility scooters are available for hire (for free) from the aquatic centre – just call New Plymouth District Council on 06-759 6060 to book. Refreshments and ‘Wind Wanderer’ pedal carts are available at the central deck, next to the Wind Wand.

Whitecliffs Walkway

An isolated ocean beach, towering white cliffs and rock pinnacles, bridged streams and a cliff-top track with stunning views of the North Taranaki coastline. This 14km track follows the route of the Kapuni - Auckland gas pipeline and can include the coastal pathway used by those from earlier times – Taranaki-bound warriors and later the stockmen rolling sheep or cattle towards the hand-hewn Te Horo tunnel and on to farms and saleyards.

Begin at the boat ramp at the end of Pukearuhe Rd. It’s just north of Urenui and near the cliff top site of the old redoubt and military settlement. Walk farmland leading to Mount Davidson and cross onto the land of Ngati Tama following the ridge tops before descending to the Waipingau Stream. Follow this stream or a later one to the sea and return to your starting point along a beautiful west coast beach. Or, if transport awaits, follow the walkway to Tongaporutu via a regenerating forest and bird’s eye views of majestic rock formations and pinnacles like the “three sisters”. Stay safe and check the tides if you plan a beach walk. You need to reach Pukearuhe no later than two hours after low tide. It’s a better walk than swim.

Taranaki - Garden of New Zealand

Taranaki was first called the 'Garden of New Zealand' in the 1840s and since then has lived up to that title with spectacular gardens in every corner of this vibrant region.

At the heart of the region is magnificent Mount Taranaki, home to hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks from short bush walks to epic alpine adventures, like the multi-day Pouakai Circuit.

The lands that lie beyond the mountain tell a vivid history, from the mythical arrival through land wars and passive resistance to the dynamic Taranaki of today.

Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival

Taranaki gardens are spectacular in spring that they have their own festival. The Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival is now in its 22nd year, and offers New Zealand's biggest range of gardens and events in New Zealand, all in anticipation of summer.

The festival runs the first week of November and showcases more than 50 of Taranaki's best gardens, including 14 Gardens of Significance. Newly added is a boutique category - Special Interest Gardens. The festival also hosts a programme of events ranging from guided tours to guest speakers to jazz and wine events.

Te Kainga Marire

Te Kainga Marire is the only private native garden sanctuary in New Zealand to be rated as a Garden of International Significance. Te Kainga Marire’s (translated ‘peaceful encampment’) point of difference lies in the natural plant associations that evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand. This native plant paradise was developed in 1972 from clay wasteland. Keen outdoor adventurers, the owners wanted a bird friendly garden designed around the ecological groupings they had observed in the wild. New Zealand native grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs & trees have been carefully nurtured around rustic fences, a pond, a colonial bush hut & cool fern filled Whare. Shy Tui now regularly fly into the garden to feed. Enjoy a guided ‘Interactive Sensory Experience’ tour with the knowledgeable owners (Bookings required).

This garden was selected for inclusion in the prestigious BBC documentary Around the World in 80 Gardens.

The Goblin Forest

The aptly named Goblin Forest lies on the southern slopes of Mount Taranaki near the Dawson's Falls Visitor Centre. A range of short unique walks will lead you deep into this magical mossy environment; it's hard to believe the twisted trees and hanging plants aren't the creation of movie-makers.

Let your imagination run wild in the Goblin Forest!

Pukekura Park

This 52ha inner-city park is a jewel. Stretching along a river valley from the centre of New Plymouth to near the city’s southern boundary, Pukekura Park is a Garden of National Significance that combines formal gardens with walks through native bush. Visitors to the park can enjoy the internationally regarded Fernery and Display Houses, visit Brooklands Zoo, check out the Japanese Hillside and Kunming Garden, and take a row boat onto the main lake.

The park’s beautiful sportsground has been named one of the top small cricket grounds in the world by Wisden, while the natural outdoor amphitheatre of the TSB Bowl of Brooklands has attracted well-known performers over the years. And from mid-December to early February every year, Pukekura Park is transformed into an illuminated wonderland each night with the TSB Bank Festival of Lights. This free event includes nighttime entertainment and daytime activities for all ages, and is so popular that it has been voted onto the coveted Mayfair spot of New Zealand Monopoly!

Pukeiti

Pukeiti is New Zealand’s internationally recognised premier rhododendron garden and is one of Taranaki’s most visited attractions. Established in 1951 from rough, cut-over scrubland by the Pukeiti Trust, it has overseen the 20-hectare garden development alongside the restoration of 340 hectares of rainforest. It's this Taranaki rainforest setting that makes Pukeiti so unique, as nowhere else can you walk soft grass paths through thousands of rhododendrons and other plants sheltered by the lush bush environment.

Pukeiti is much more than a spring garden and throughout the year many other rare and colourful plants are on display, enjoying the mountain atmosphere and volcanic soils. The same environment provides babbling boulder-strewn streams with lush ferns and mosses draping the tree canopy.

Covered walk displays mean all-weather interest at any time of year. Pukeiti provides all the facilities the discerning visitor expects including a Gatehouse Visitor Centre with café, shop, toilets and disabled access. Mobility scooters are freely available and the garden is easy walking. For those wanting a full day’s visit there are 21km of tracks to explore, including the old logging tramline and the intriguingly named ‘Paint Mines’.