We wanted to take the Forgotten World Highway (FGH) from Taupo to Stratford but the road was closed on our way out due to numerous slips (i.e., landslides) caused by the heavy rains earlier in the week. These were the same rains that almost caused us to be stranded in Wanganui. Anyway, on the way out, we ended up taking the "Coast Road" that came into New Plymouth from the north and then on into Stratford. After checking road conditions at the Stratford AA office, we embarked on the FGH for the return trip. It took us 4 hours (including several photo stops along the way) to cover the 160 km (about 100 miles). So, you can see we didn't exactly burn rubber on this road! The twisty curves and 15 km of gravel road caused most of the delay, but the scenery was stunning. Jungle foilage mingled with pine trees in a curious juxtaposition (for us anyway – we're used to see one or the other, but not both intermingled). We had some great views of Mt Taranaki at the Stratford end and then Mt Ruapehu at the Taumarunui end. One of our stops was at Whangamomona, about 60 km from Stratford (http://www.radionz.tel) opened for lunch. We also took a short walk in the Tangarakau Gorge (part of the gravel road portion of the FGH). We were "up close and personal" with a ewe and her three lambs, one of whom kept trying for a quick snack with mom. We went through two tunnels (Makahu and Moki) – both were 1-lane, dark and cool (temperature and effect). What a great way to wind up this grand 4-day trip.
