The Forgotten World Highway

New Zealand is a photographers dream. Now, photographers we are not, but NZ sure makes you feel like you are one, or could be one. That being said, our viewers are subject to an endless array of photos as we cannot filter what are the best photos. The blog has allowed us to indulge our "professional" abilities as amateurs. The unique and mysterious terrain and sights of this area were more enticing than anywhere we have seen. Sadly, pictures never do justice. Nevertheless, around every corner is yet another amazing shot, so here are a "few" of the "best". Without further adue, we bring you "The Forgotten World." (Shown in red on the map)



"While it's only 150 kilometres long, the Forgotten World Highway is a highly memorable driving journey. Built on colonial bridle paths formed in the late 19th century, the highway is remote and mysterious to the extreme. "A bit upsy downsy" is how one local resident puts it - a classic New Zealand understatement to describe a road that hugs the rugged contours of the land to provide a natural roller coaster experience. Forgotten is its name, but this route is really a journey of remembrance. Along its length there are constant reminders of settlers who tried to scratch out a living in the wild, isolated hill country." www.newzealand.com






WHANGAMOMONA



"The settlement of Whangamomona is a law unto itself – literally. The residents of the tiny township declared Whangamomona a republic in 1989 after disapproving of local government plans to shift the area’s district boundaries. Every two years since, Whangamomona has celebrated its Republic Day in January, drawing thousands of visitors from around the country to receive their Whangamomona passport and watch sheep-racing, possum-skinning and whip-cracking among numerous other activities. Whangamomona Republic Day culminates in the election of the town’s new president." www.fourcorners.co.nz

Presidents

Ian Kjestrup (1989-1999)
After being put on the ballot without his knowledge, he became the first elected President. Served 10 years

Billy Gumboot the Goat (1999-2001)
First elected animal. He won election by eating the other challengers ballots. He died in office after serving for 18 months.

Tai the Poodle (2003-2004)
Tai retired after an assassination attempt left him a nervous wreck.

Murt "Murtle the Turtle" Kennard (2005-Present)
The local garage owner fought off strong competition from former president Kjestrup and a cross-dresser called "Miriam" to become the 4th President of Whangamomona.






Maybe this guy watching TV on his lawn is the president...curious peoples these Whangamomonians...




Having a cold glass of Whangamomona's own beer at the hotel, which is also the passport office, we had ours stamped for a dollar.




We actually turned off the 'Highway' (half of it is gravel) to go further into nowhere in search of NZ's 2nd highest waterfall, Mt. Damper Falls, the highest in the North Island which was unbelievable. Well we literally had to walk jandal-footed through farmland and thousands of sheep (this served T's sheep obsession well), and they seemed like the only signs of life for thousands of miles...


















This last little guy running for his life is a wild boar we encountered on the road back to the highway. Unfortunatley, he panicked and jumped through the fence, which we are pretty sure is built atop a cliff...but we never turned back to look...

Driving the 150km took over half a day to complete. This was no easy sunday drive. After we finished the drive and rolled into civilization, we felt like we had been in a vortex for a week. Weirdness.