Forgotten World Highway in NZ is a world's top drive
New Zealand, oceania
149 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand's Best-Kept Secret
Looking for one of the most scenic drives in the world? The Forgotten World Highway might just be it. This remote and mysterious stretch of road on New Zealand's North Island is absolutely unforgettable.
Running 149 kilometers (92.58 miles) along State Highway 43 from Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country, this route takes you through some seriously stunning terrain. The road winds through gorges, dense forests, and over four mountain saddles that'll make your jaw drop.
Here's the thing though—this highway has earned itself a bit of a reputation. With its narrow sections and the notoriously slippery gravel surface in the Tangarakau Gorge, it's been ranked among New Zealand's top 10 trickiest roads. But don't let that scare you off. The gravel sections aren't being sealed anytime soon due to low traffic, which honestly just adds to the whole "forgotten" vibe of the place.
The road has serious history too. Built on colonial bridle paths from the late 1800s, it took 50 years to complete—finally opening in 1945. This is New Zealand's oldest heritage trail, and you can feel that history as you drive.
Plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours if you're pushing through without stops, but seriously—don't rush this one. You'll want to linger for a couple of days. Don't miss the incredible Moki Tunnel (aka Hobbit's Hole), a hand-carved 180-meter adventure that'll blow your mind. The Tangarakau Gorge with its dramatic rapids and lush bush views is pure magic. You'll also encounter New Zealand's highest waterfall and a quirky town that declared itself an independent republic.
Most regular vehicles handle this drive fine—just make sure your tank is full before you start, and watch out for wet conditions. It's a leisurely, dreamy drive through constantly changing landscapes that feels like you've discovered somewhere the rest of the world forgot about.
Where is it?
Forgotten World Highway in NZ is a world's top drive is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.5663, 175.2511
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 149 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.5663, 175.2511
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