North Island's historic highway

You can stop at more than 30 historic sites along the Forgotten World Highway, the new name given to State Highway 43, which stretches between Taumarunui in the heart of the King Country to Stratford in the heart of Taranaki.

The 150km heritage trail runs through once-prosperous timber and coal settlements. Attractions include museums and historic flour mills, brick kilns and Maori settlements.

The highway will take you past the North Island's highest waterfall at Mt. Damper Falls and the Bridge to Somewhere, which leads to a farming settlement which has long since been abandoned.

Contact: Destination Taranaki, ph (06) 757 9909; Stratford Visitor Information Centre, ph (06) 767 6708