24 Hours in the Republic of Whangamomona

Walls of history

Having a better look around the hotel, this really reminds Laura of some of the old pubs back in the UK right down to the crazy-patterned carpets. There are old photos displaying Whangamomona’s history years before it ever became a republic! There’s a grand portrait in the stairway of a mysterious bushman who the residents only found out recently who he was. Now they are fundraising in the pub to lay a headstone on his unmarked grave.

Clearly there has always been a real sense of community here in Whangamomona, which is evident still on the community notice board. One of the events hosted in the hotel are for locals to join on a “Wild Food” night where everyone brings a dish of their own “wild” kill. As we talk to Richard, he even knows Simon and Sarah who we stayed with in Tangarakau a couple of nights ago.

Robin pretends to be president

Throughout the whole day we perhaps only see 10 vehicles passing through Whangamomona, some of which was the same guy transporting his sheep. The historical street with grand wooden buildings looks so pretty with the backdrop of rolling green hills. One of our favourite buildings has to be the rustic-looking post office, which, in fact, just had a box outside with mail in it for the whole town: four families, about 18 people. (And one dog and one cat, from what we have seen).

At the head of the town is a wooden throne with a large “W” carved into it, which we can only assume is the president’s throne. Robin has a whale of a time stroking the cat like an evil villain on his throne…

Getting our passports stamped

Before we leave the republic, we have a lunch of toasties, fresh fruit and cheese with the hotel’s managers. Honestly, we are finding it hard to pull ourselves away from this town! Then, for the grand finale… to ensure safe passage throughout the rest of our travels in the Republic, we get our passports stamped! The ultimate souvenir!

Leaving the republic and the Forgotten World Highway

Sadly, we are ending our Forgotten World Highway journey, but not without… That’s right, you guessed it, more stunning views! We are blown away by how high Mt Taranaki stands in its perfect volcanic cone in isolation. We can’t keep our eyes off it, especially since the sun is setting over it. Wow, New Zealand, wow.

We arrive in New Plymouth at nightfall where we are warmly welcomed behind the reception desk of the Ducks & Drakes Backpackers by two border collie dogs. Tomorrow, we start exploring the Taranaki region!