OMAKA LODGE – Experience The Forgotten World
Omaka Lodge is located just 7kms from the northern end of New Zealand’s iconic Forgotten World Highway, so is ideally located to explore and experience the mystery and history of The Forgotten World area. The phrase ‘The Forgotten World’ was first used to describe the remote area between Taumarunui and Stratford that is traversed by the 150km-long State Highway 43. The rugged but beautiful nature of the isolated road, not to mention the ghost towns it passes through, led to it being known as The Forgotten World Highway. As time has marched on, the phrase ‘The Forgotten World’ has evolved to encompasses a broad area in the central North Island’s Ruapehu District that can be experienced by road, rail or river.


The Forgotten World Highway

The Forgotten World is a highly memorable 150-kilometre road trip, and Omaka Lodge is a convenient place to stay before commencing your journey south, or at the end of your journey north. But whichever direction you travel the Highway, you’ll find it an unforgettable experience.
The road climbs several saddles with spectacular views, and dips down into numerous valleys, mostly bush clad. There’s a one-way tunnel, one-way bridges, a narrow section of road carved out of a cliff face in the Tangarakau River gorge. There are the remains of several old settlements en route, including Ohura (a short side-trip from the ForgottenHighway) and the iconic township of Whangamomona.
Almost halfway along the Forgotten World Highway, Whangamomona is a great place to stop for for a break – read the heritage signboards for an insight to life as it was, or pop into the Whangamomona Hotel for a bite and a drink – rated as one of New Zealand’s top 10 country pubs by Lonely Planet.

One of the most interesting ways to experience the Forgotten World is via a Rail Cart or jet boat tour offered by Forgotten World Adventures, located just 8kms from Omaka Lodge. Rail Carts are self-drive buggies that allow tourists to travel along part or all (depending on tour) of the disused 142km railway line from Taumarunui to Stratford. The line travels through rugged countryside, crossing numerous bridges and passing through many tunnels – the longest being 1.5km.
Tours of differing length and type are available – some on Rail Carts, some on jet boats, some on both. Scott & Chris experienced a 10-Tunnel tour in 2017 and found it to be a fantastic and unique experience! Book your Forgotten World Adventures tour through us and you’ll receive a discount on the tour price, so why not contact us today for your Omaka Lodge-Forgotten World Adventures experience!
Forgotten World Adventures


Whanganui River and the Bridge To Nowhere


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