Forgotten World Highway 43

The Forgotten World Highway 43 is New Zealand's first Heritage Trail, beginning in Stratford and ending 150kms later in Taumarunui.

Historic highlights are signposted along the route, and tell the story of the area's prehistoric, Maori and European heritage.

Also home to many stunning walking tracks and scenic lookouts, the geography of the Forgotten World Highway will not fail to impress.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Stratford - Home to New Zealand's only glockenspiel, Stratford was named after Shakespeare's home town. Many of the town's streets are accordingly named after famous Shakespearean characters - including Lear, Hamlet and Romeo.

Strathmore Saddle - Views of Mt Taranaki and the Central Plateau mountain ranges. Remnants of marine fossils dating back millions of years are deposited in the shell rock.

Aotuhia (Bridge to Somewhere) - a side trip off the main route (allow 2 hours return), the Bridge to Somewhere was built in 1937.

Pohokura Saddle - named after the Maori Chief Pohokura, this location was settled in the 1880s. This historic vantage point offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Whangamomona Village - First settled in 1895 the town flourished for many years, until the great flood of 1924 when the settlement was wiped out. Since then the population has declined and is now little more than a ghost town.

Tahora Saddle - Spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Two Maori Pa sites are visible to the east and west.

Tangarakau - The name is derived from "Felled Trees" cut down by Tamatea - the legendary Maori ancestor. Once a booming railway worker township.

Moki Tunnel - This 180 metre road tunnel was built in 1936. A detour of 8kms leads to the Moki Forest - regenerated with native species and home to one of New Zealand's most endangered birds, the Kokako.

Mt Damper Falls - A further 8kms past the Moki Forest are the Mt Damper Falls. One of the highest water falls in the North Island, it is a spectacular site. Allow 20 minutes to walk the track to the viewing platform.

Morgan's Grave - Last resting place of the surveyor Joshua Morgan. It is a memorial to the surveyor's of the late 19th century, who opened up the central North Island for settlement.

Tangarakau Gorge - Once home to large coal deposits, formed from prehistoric peat swamp, the gorge was mined during the early 20th century. Today small pockets of coal can still be found in the area.

Tatu Coal Mine Village - This historic coal mining village features 4 houses, a hall and school - as well as the abandoned Tatu Coal Mine.

Nevins Lookout - Nevins Lookout features panoramic views of the King Country and Central Plateau volcanoes (Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe).

Maraekowhai Reserve - A significant Maori site, this was once the stronghold of the Hauhau rebel movement, who fought European land acquisitions in the mid 19th century. A war pole "Rongo Niu" was erected on the site, to draw warriors to the movement. At the end of the rebellion a peace pole "Rere Kore" was erected. Both poles still stand on the site.

Aukopae River Boat Landing - Historic landing place of the river boats which transported early settlers from Wanganui to Taumarunui.

Nukunuku Museum - The museum features a fascinating collection of river boat, Maori and early settler memorabilia.

Te Maire Reserve - Te Maire Reserve is an exquisite example of podacarp forest. A 3 hour walk through the forest offers great views from the lookout, and tree identification signs.

Herlihy's Bluff -Alternating layers of sandstone and mudstone create an intriguing layered effect and date back to a time when the region was below sea level - 15 - 25 million years ago.

Taumarunui - The entry point to New Zealand's longest navigable waterway - the Whanganui River. Close to Mt Ruapehu (and the ski areas of Whakapapa and Turoa) Taumarunui is also the base for scenic rail journeys to the central volcanic plateau.