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
Related Roads in oceania
hardA beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: you're on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, itching for adventure. Forget the smooth, predictable routes and head straight for Eaglehawk Lookout! This little gem sits way up high at 351 meters (that's over 1,150 feet!). The road to get there, Plateau Road, is where the real fun begins. Forget pavement – this is a wild, unsealed track winding its way to the top. We're talking serious potholes and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for this one! The 8.1-kilometer (5-mile) journey kicks off from the Arthur Highway and plunges straight into Tasman National Park. And get ready for some serious climbs, because this road isn't messing around, boasting gradients up to 15%! But, oh my goodness, the views! As you ascend, you'll be treated to incredible vistas of the rugged coastline, Eaglehawk Neck, and Pirates Bay far below. It's a bumpy ride, but those views? Totally worth it.
moderateA challenging road to Mount Kosciuszko in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna conquer the roof of Australia (legally, of course)? Head to New South Wales and tackle Mount Kosciuszko! This ain't your average Sunday drive though - it's a 9.2km (5.71 miles) unpaved adventure in the Snowy Mountains, starting from Charlotte Pass. Picture this: you're grinding up Summit Road, a gravelly and rocky path through Kosciuszko National Park. Fun fact, this used to be a road for cars until '77! Now, it's all about bikes (and hikers). You can cycle up to Rawson Pass, park your ride at the rack, and then hoof it the rest of the way to the summit. Trust me, the views are epic! You'll cruise past the iconic Snowy River, swing by Seamans Hut, and eventually hit Rawson Pass at the foot of the mountain. Keep an eye out for Australia's highest public loos! The trail crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and gradually rises to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), before delivering you to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. It's an unforgettable ride through some seriously stunning scenery.
extremeWhere does the Eyre Highway start and finish?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising the Eyre Highway is a true Aussie adventure, linking Western Australia and South Australia right through the Nullarbor Plain. This paved road stretches a whopping 1,664 km (1,034 miles) from Norseman in WA to Port Augusta in SA, so you know you're in for a haul! But get this: it boasts what's said to be the longest straight stretch of road in the country – a mind-numbing 146.6 kilometers (91.1 mi) between Balladonia and Caiguna where you can literally set the cruise control and zone out. Built back in the '40s and fully sealed in 1976, the Eyre Highway's named after explorer Edward John Eyre. It's definitely remote, especially in the west where towns are few and far between. Keep an eye out for emergency airstrips marked with runway "piano keys" - they're there for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Fuel stops are spaced out, but plan ahead, especially if you're driving at night, as not all stations are open 24/7. Now, a word of warning: fatigue and the sheer remoteness can be risky. Free coffee initiatives are popping up to encourage rest stops. The road itself is fairly straightforward, but the wildlife – kangaroos, emus, camels – are a real hazard, especially at dawn and dusk. Give yourself 2-3 days to conquer the Eyre Highway. It's a long, lonely ride in parts, but an iconic outback experience where you'll soak in Australia's pioneering history.
hardIs Barkly Highway Paved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Barkly Highway. It's fully paved, so no bone-jarring bumps, but don't get *too* comfy. This beauty runs east-west for ages, from just outside Cloncurry, Queensland, all the way to just north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. We're talking seriously remote country here, so top off that tank whenever you can – gas stations are few and far between! Now, about that danger... yeah, it's got a rep for a reason. Those long, straight stretches? They can lull you into a trance. Stay awake, people! And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially cattle. Seriously, those cows love to wander onto the road, particularly at night. Not ideal. Also, during the wet season (think December to March), things can get a bit dicey with flooding and closures, so always check the weather and road conditions before you head out. Despite the potential hazards, this road trip is epic, taking you through landscapes you won't forget.