Whangamomona" Republic Day-Jan19 2019

[MIKEP]

Whangamomona is holding there Bi Annual republic day on January 19 2019. Whagamomena declares itself a republic and every 2 years they celebrate it with a day of fun and its a heck of a party. I am planning a cruise/Run to whangamomena to take part in the celebration and vist this iconic landmark.
Wheres Whangamomona I hear you ask? Its on the forgotten world highway that mystical windy 150kms of road that runs from Stratford to Taumaranui. Hailed as one of New Zealands most beautiful routes and a must on everyones bucket list .Whangamomena is on Highway 43, the "Forgotten World Highway", 65 kilometres (40 mi) north-east of Stratford .
The Forgotten World Highway is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. This highly memorable driving journey is remote and mysterious to the extreme. This scenic route winds over four mountain saddles, alongside the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge and passes through the 220-metre-long, single lane, Moki tunnel. It has been ranked as one of the 10 most scenic drives in the world.
The road is mostly asphalted. It’s slippery when wet. This is an exquisite winding mountain drive with sharp and blind curves and hairpin switchbacks leading the traveler over the mountains. 4 km northeast of is the Moki Tunnel, also known as Hobbit's Hole. Hand-carved by pickaxes, the tunnel is a 200 metre-long adventure that'll quickly make the kids forget their carsickness. You emerge from the tunnel to the scenic delights of the Tangarakau Gorge, where the tarseal surface becomes gravel road for about 5 kilometres, encouraging you to slow down and enjoy the lush bush views and the spectacular rapids of the headwaters of the Tangarakau River. The road in the gorge is not sealed.

Well heres the Plan.

I am planning to leave Auckland at around 7.30 am on the 19th before to much traffic hits Auckland and via State Highway 1 get on the Forgotten world Highway at Taumaranui and travel the 87kms from Taumaranui to Whangamomena to arrive around 12 am. Lunch at Whangamomena and stay overnight in Whangamomena and drive the rest of the Highway the next day on Sunday and return to Auckland.
So if you want to go let me know .If your down country and want to meet up at Taumaranui or somewhere on the way let me know and we can travel together . If your coming from South via Strafford and want to meet up at Whangamomena that's fine as well. Theres accommodation at Whangamomena though Im more inclined to stay in Ohura or Stratford

It would be great to fly the MR2 club banner at the republic day celebrations and do the road with some like minded enthusiast s.

So if you are interested let me know and ill put the plan together

[pbaron]

Hi Mike, I am keen with a view to meeting up in Taumaruni, cheers.

[MIKEP]

Cool Pierre That's great . Look forward to it

[mickeyduck]

Theres accommodation at Whangamomena though Im more inclined to stay in Ohura or Stratford

Don't know if I'll be able to afford it Mike but it sure would be brilliant!

I suggest however that you take a good look into accommodation options in the places you've mentioned, and pick somewhere as the place to be. So everyone can enjoy each other's company that evening before heading home. Find a reasonable motel that'd suit a bit of a gathering mate.

[nightz]

You are missing out on the best road by going through Taumarunui.
Turn right down Ohura Rd off SH4 and go down through Matiere and Ohura.

[MIKEP]

I suggest however that you take a good look into accommodation options in the places you've mentioned, and pick somewhere as the place to be. So everyone can enjoy each other's company that evening before heading home. Find a reasonable motel that'd suit a bit of a gathering mate

I'm on it Charlie.theres not a lot of accomodation on the Forgotten world highway and the "Whanga" pub will be full for republic day but I have a house in Ohura or as I said if we go through to Stratford there's accomodation there I'll finalise that once I know how many are interested.Also there's the prison at Ohura anyway I'm on it. Trying to keep costs down for this one

[Mr-Paulio]

I'm keen Mike. If I feel I have a reliable Two at the time. And a weekend pass

[MIKEP]

Hey Guys just a reminder about this one.5 cars going so far.Let me know if your keen to do some or all of it.

[Benckj]

I wish I could participate as that drive is on my bucket list.

[MIKEP]

Yes it's a shame Jim.Was on my bucket list too .So at least I get to cross it off now.

[tw2]

Keen for this one. I'll join as you pass Hamilton somewhere.

[MIKEP]

Cool thanks Thomas I'll keep you posted

[NABS]

good idea, will see if any Naki guys are keen to cruise up and meet in Taumaranui. A meeting time in Taumaranui could be good to arrange (sorry I missed it if its mentioned already). Pbarron, we could meet you and anyone else in Wanganui if time allows and shoot up those Para's again...? depending on your schedule.

Im not sure if I can make that as yet but can start things rolling here. There is a 'dirt' (gravel) section of around 14k, not sure if I want to take my car on it at this stage, again, as I am still cleaning dust off it from a year ago, but the fun factor of doing the road again may drown out that pain. Otherwise we could come in from the Stratford end and meet there if interested?

Anyone wanting to stay in Whanga that night will need to book either the Hotel or the camp ground now, but even this far out it could be tough getting that in town as it goes VERY quickly for this popular event and no mobile coverage.

I have attended this many times and is a great day out! Just make sure you take your Passport!

[MIKEP]

Hi happy new year .Thanks for the info NAthan . Some of the 14 k section has been sealed now I beleive but still some gravel.

I am working on accomodation in Ohura for us all so will be cheap so far deets in the next few days. I beleive we would be in Taumaranui round 10.30 at this stage.How does that suit?. that should put us in Whanga about 12-12.30 if calcs Re correct.Gives us time to party a bitin Whanga then drive the rest of the Highway the next day.

I'll keep you informed

[tw2]

Were you planning on driving the forgotten highway both ways? Going to Whangamomona and then doubling back to Ohura will add an hour each way. Would Stratford not be an option? Ohura is a ghost town the last few times I went through (few years now). Hardly even one shop, literally abandoned buildings dot the main road.