Forgotten World Highway - Village of Douglas. North Island. New Zealand. - National Scenic Byways on Waymarking.com

At the Stratford western end of the highway, lies the tiny Village of Douglas with its historic Downdraught Brick Kiln and disused Boarding House, both significant signs of past employment and industry but like most small Taranaki settlements Douglas Village has declined with the closure of its dairy factory and store.

The old Douglas Boarding House was used as a stopover on the long treacherous journey in earlier times, a journey that now takes between 2 ½ and 3 ½ hours to drive non-stop.

The brick Downdraught Brick Kiln at Douglas was saved when its new owners, who had purchased the land for dairy farming, agreed to enter into a Heritage Covenant with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust in 1988. The kiln was restored and a protective shelter erected by local builder Frank Mathews.

While it's only 150 kilometres long, the Forgotten World Highway is a highly memorable driving journey. Built on colonial bridle paths formed in the late 19th century, the highway is remote and mysterious.

Forgotten is its name, but this route is really a journey of remembrance. Along its length there are constant reminders of settlers who tried to scratch out a living in the wild, isolated hill country.

History is one reason to choose this route, scenery is another. From the top of the ragged Strathmore Saddle you'll see the three volcanoes of Tongariro National Park to the east and the snow-topped cone of Mount Taranaki to the west. The Whangamomona Saddle provides a spectacular view of native beech and podocarp forest.

You won't find a service station along the Forgotten World Highway, so fill your fuel tank up before you depart.

Program: Other Website: [Web Link] Official Name: Forgotten World Highway.

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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   11/18/2008 FBBHaegar visited it 01/01/2007 Punga and Paua visited it 01/02/2006 Zorkin Queen & The Fox visited it

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