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 Taranaki is steeped in living heritage, drawn from the various stages of the regions history. One way to experience the colourful history is to take a drive along one of Taranki's scenic routes.
The Forgotten World Highway - State Highway 43 Because it offers an exciting opportunity to explore the wild country and history of Eastern Taranaki, The Forgotten World Highway became New Zealands first heritage trail. The 150km trail runs between Stratford, at the base of Mt Taranaki to Taumarunui near Mt Ruapehu. Whangamomona, the midway point, was first settled in 1885. Driving over the four bush-clad saddles (steep hills) today; you begin to understand why it took a packhorse four days to reach Whangamomona. First settled in 1895 with no road or rail access, the great flood of 1924 sealed the village's fate and today there's just the pub and 25 hardy locals. A feature not to be missed, the one way 180metre long Moki Tunnel dubbed by locals as the "Hobbits Hole" is a popular photo stop. Nearby is Mt Damper Falls - one of the highest waterfalls in the North Island. The Forgotten World Highway provides an exciting alternative if you are driving south from Auckland to Taranaki or to Wellington, or Wellington to Auckland, or as a day trip from Stratford. Settled with hard working, friendly folk, it is the sort of place where a casual roadside conversation could lead you back to the farmhouse for a cup of tea. Surf Highway 45  Because Taranaki's spherical coast collects 180 degrees of all possible swells, it offers New Zealand's most consistent surf. For this reason, the 105-kilometre long Highway 45 that hugs this coast is also known as Surf Highway 45.Beginning in New Plymouth, drive the scenic coastal route to Hawera in South Taranaki.
But the Surf Highway isn't just Surf. From several points you can access Egmont National Park and it's comprehensive network of tracks. You'll catch a glimmer of Taranaki's $2-billion dollar energy industry at the Maui Production Station Visitor Centre at Oaonui. This boulder-strewn coast is the last place you'd expect to find a boat club, but hardy locals have sweated out a boat-ramp, establishing an active fishing club with 200 members at Cape Egmont. Cape Egmont, the most westerly point of Taranaki is the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. The lighthouse was transferred here in 1881 from Wellington. The light can be seen for 22 nautical miles on a clear night. There's a plethora of artists inspired by the dual beauty of Mountain and surf, and undiscovered beaches where you can just stretch out and soak up the sun. You can also get a feel for South Taranaki's history through a visit to Parihaka, home to the 19th Century prophet Te Whiti. |
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Copyright © Venture Taranaki Trust |
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