Forgotten World Highway, officially NZ state highway 43, is a 148km road that runs from Stratford to Taumarunui. It takes at least 3 hours to drive the whole length, and part of it is unsealed. It is ranked as one of the 10 worst roads in NZ because of the unsealed part, but as of yet there are no plans to seal it because of the low traffic volume. It's called the Forgotten World because there used to be a railroad on this route, complete with bustling towns, which now are either small villages or are completely gone. The highway is somewhat of a tourist attraction, as it goes through rugged, stunning countryside. It took us two days to complete the whole thing.
Stratford, the start of the Forgotten World Highway.
The stunning views started almost right away.
The goats were trying to escape - they ran back inside when they saw us. Seeing all the goats on this trip has made me respect them as a species.
I have not retouched this picture, it really was this vibrant.
Not sure who'd be doing the shooting...
I think they need more sheep.
Makahu Tunnel - openned in 1907. Also known as the Hobbit's Hole.
Pokohura Saddle.
Probably got hit by a car.
Our home!
The Republic of Whangamomona - it declared itself a republic in 1989 after a revision of district boundaries would have placed it in a different county. Main sticking point? They didn't want to play for/cheer for their rival county's sports team. Now, they sell "passports" in their hotel/bar. The first president of the republic was Ian Kjestrup, who's name appeared on the ballot without his knowledge. He served as president for 10 years. The next president was Billy Gumboot, the first goat president. He won by eating all his competitor's ballots, though sadly he died in office after 18 months. His successor was Tai the Poodle, who retired after an assassination attempt. The current president, since 2005, is Murt "Murtle the Turtle" Kennard, who won the last election by a landslide.
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