Explore
the republic
Set along the Forgotten World Highway, Whangamomona is surrounded by remote landscapes, rich history and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
From rail cart adventures and hidden waterfalls to passport stamps and stories from the Republic itself, there’s plenty to discover beyond the hotel doors.
Where every stop has a story.
Passport
No trip to the Republic is complete without an official Whangamomona passport stamp.
In 1989, after regional boundary changes moved Whangamōmona out of Taranaki, locals declared the “Republic of Whangamōmona” in protest. Today, visitors can stop by the hotel — home to the Republic’s unofficial Passport Office — and receive their own passport stamp with a gold coin donation to the Republic.
RAIL CART
Explore the Forgotten World by rail cart or jet boat through one of New Zealand’s most remote and spectacular landscapes.
Forgotten World Adventures offers unforgettable journeys through tunnels, native bush, abandoned settlements and remote backcountry landscapes rich with pioneer history.
MT DAMPER
Standing at 74 metres high, Mount Damper Falls are among the tallest waterfalls in the North Island.
Located around 30 minutes from Whangamōmona, the walk takes visitors through farmland and native bush before opening onto dramatic viewing platforms overlooking the falls.
OLD
WHANGAMOMona
ROAD
For those looking to explore deeper into the Republic, the Old Whangamomona Road offers a rugged backcountry adventure through native bush, old tunnels and remote landscapes.
Popular with 4WD travellers, cyclists, runners and walkers, the route stretches from the hotel toward the historic Bridge to Somewhere.
MORgan’s
grave
Hidden beside the Forgotten World Highway sits one of the region’s more sobering historical sites.
Morgan’s Grave marks the burial place of surveyor Joshua Morgan, who died while working on the Tāngarākau Gorge bridge in 1893. Today, it remains a quiet reminder of the hardship faced by the region’s early pioneers.
mini golf
A golf course only the Republic could create.
Located opposite the hotel, Whangamōmona Mini Golf features five character-filled holes designed and built by local families. Grab a drink from the hotel and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most unique mini golf experiences.
stay with us
Discover the stories waiting beyond the highway.
Make Whangamomona Hotel your base for exploring the Republic and the Forgotten World Highway, where every stop has a story.
Located on the iconic Forgotten World Highway, Whangamomona sits between Stratford and Taumarunui in the heart of rural Taranaki.
Approx. 1hr 45 from New Plymouth
Scenic drive through the Republic
Fuel up before arrival
Limited mobile reception in areas
THE ROAD HERE
