WHANGAMOMONA HOTEL - things to do


Whangamomona sought its independence when local government shifted the local district boundaries to one that was in line with the watershed of the main rivers. Half of the Whangamomona District went from the Taranaki District to the Manawatu District. Some Locals were lucky and half their farms stayed with Taranaki. However, this did not sit well with the locals as most associate themselves with Taranaki. The stubborn streak came out to show that they did not like this decision being made without consulting them, the residents, first. Whangamomona residents made a major decision to declare their independence within the four walls of the hotel back in 1988. Whangamomona was declared a Republic! We celebrated our 22nd year of independence in January 2011. Republic Day celebrations swell the Whangamomona Village from around 40 people to around 5000 people. Country activities such as Sheep Races, Gumboot Throwing, Gutbuster Races, Whip Cracking, Possum Skinning, Hold Ups and Shoot Outs all take place in the main street. Presidential elections are held. Our first president lasted 10 years before taking early retirement. Unfortunately, the second president 'Billy the Kid' only survived the position 18 months when he died in active duty - weedeating on the town hillside. Tai the Poodle was duly elected in 2003, unfortunately 12 months later there was an assassination attempt on his life and he had to retire due to this leaving him in a severe nervous condition. Murt Kennard was re-elected president. Our next Republic Day is January 2013. Passports can be purchased at the Hotel to ensure safe passage through the Republic. [home][top]


From New Plymouth - Travel to Stratford in time to view the 'Glockenspiel' at 10.00am. Follow the 'Forgotten World Highway' to Whangamomona, taking in all the places of interest along the way. Stop at the famous Whangamomona Hotel for lunch or stay the night and explore the village. Continue along State Highway 43 through the Moki Tunnel and drive into the Tangarakau Gorge to Morgan's Grave, taking in the spectacular scenery. Turn back and take the Moki Road to Ahititi visiting Mt Damper Falls on the way through. From Taumarunui - Travel to Whangamomona along the 'Forgotten World Highway'. Stop for lunch at the Hotel or stay the night for Real Country Hospitality. Explore the village and enjoy some of the activities. Continue on to Stratford, maybe taking a side trip to visit 'The Bridge to Somewhere'. Arrive in Stratford to view the 'Glockenspiel' at 3.00pm. [home][top]


Take a trip down the Whangamomona Road to Aotuhia and the Bridge to Somewhere (approx 20kms). This road rates among the best in the country for tramping, trail bike riding, mountain biking and 4WD (The Wetter the Better). The scenery is breathtaking, taking you through two tunnels, swing bridges and historic sites. [home][top]


	THE WAY IT WAS. Through the backwoods of Taranaki, explore the beginnings and the way it was done... The beauty of the 'Forgotten World Highway' is astounding. Soak up the history Travel the Highway - over 20 sites of historical interest along the way Tramping 4WD trips Trail Bike Riding Adventure Motorcycle trips Mountain Biking Horse Trekking Explore the village - Historic Walk Trail Map available at the Hotel Sheep Shearing Possum Hunting Gumboot Throwing Whip Cracking Hold Ups Passport Sales Dog Trials Meet the Locals Enjoy a game or two of Pool Some activities are seasonal and most require advance bookings. [home][top]