SH 43 is known as "The Forgotten World Highway." It is the oldest 'Heritage Trail' in New Zealand connecting the West Coast of the North Island with the Central Volcanic Plateau. Two of my good friends at work, Praveen & Jo Anne, each suggested on separate occasions that I take this trip before my departure...
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| Stratford's streets are named after Shakespearean Characters |
Starting in
Stratford [A] (named after Shakespeare's birthplace & the last petrol station for 150km), I headed east leaving Mount Taranaki in the rear view mirror.
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| The Strathmore Saddle |
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| The Pohokura Saddle |
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| The Whangamomona Saddle |
Whangamomona [B] declared itself an independent Republic in 1989 and holds a symbolic presidential election every two years...
Having acquired a Passport at
the Hotel, I am now an "official" resident of Whangamomona and, subsequently, eligible to vote in the next Presidential election - January 2015. Former Presidents include a goat and a poodle...
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| The storied & illustrious Whangamomona Rugby Club's home field |
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| leaving Whangamomona... |
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| The turn to Tangarakau... |
The Moki Tunnel
12km of unsealed crosses the Tangarakau Gorge between the Districts of Taranaki & Ruapehu.
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| This farmer was mustering his herd on the highway in the rain... |
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| he insisted that I drive on through the herd... |
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| ...it took over 30 minutes to navigate through hundreds of sheep |
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| The turn for Ohura... |
Amazing view from Nevin's Lookout...
One more one lane bridge before finally reaching Taumarunui [C]
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| ...and so does this incredible year in New Zealand |
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| great poster in the Taumarunui i-Site |
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