FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY

The Forgotten World Highway is one of New Zealand's most remote roads. Around 150 km long, stretching from Stratford to Taumarunui, it takes around 3 hours to drive from one end to the other. But that's if you don't stop. However, there are a few worthwhile breaks along the way, starting with the village of Whangamōmona, in the middle of the route. This village had the facetiousness to declare itself an independent republic in 1989 to protest a change in regional boundaries tipping them from the Taranaki region to the Manawatu region. This republican movement began as a humorous protest, but is now firmly rooted in the town's culture: you can get your passport stamped there, and Whangamōmona celebrates "Republic Day" every two years, during which a new president is elected. However, a sense of humor is always at the heart of the process, as evidenced by the ascension to presidential status of a goat in 1999, and a poodle in 2003.

Once past Whangamōmona, you won't find another village, but you can stop to admire the tunnels, the views from the top of the passes or the Damper waterfall, New Zealand's 14th largest, plunging 85 meters into the void.

This route is ideal if you like to stroll and feel a bit far away from it all. There's clearly an end-of-the-world feel behind the twists and turns, making this a road trip to remember.