Is Whangamomona worth visiting?

If you’ve stumbled across this post from elsewhere on Chur New Zealand, this might be the first time you’ve come across Whangamaomona.

For others, I’m guessing the town’s most interesting story got your attention. The one where they declared themselves the Republic on Whangamomona on November 1st, 1989.

That’s definitely one reason to visit Whangamomona, but there are more too as you’ll find out.

Note: Say Whangamomona slowly a few times, and it’ll soon be rolling off your tongue.

5 REASONS WHY WHANGAMOMONA IS WORTH VISITING

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1. THE TOWN’S STORY IS AWESOME

There’s more history to Whangamomona than the Republic story, but it’s this story that captures everyone’s attention. In 1989 Whangamomona, a proud Taranaki district was going to become a part of the Manawatu-Whanganui region with the council boundaries being redrawn.

The locals weren’t a fan of this. So they declared themselves a republic state (for shits and giggles, and as a drawcard for tourism) on November 1st, 1989.

To honour the event they celebrate Republic day ever two years. This is the only time you’ll need to buy a Whangamomona Passport if you wish to partake in the associated activities in town.

Who is the President of Whangamomona? Well, how funny you ask.

There’s been a host of characters over the years including Billy Gumboot the Goat, Tai the Poodle, and Sir Murt “Murtle the Turtle” Kennard. The current President? John Herlihy.

2. IT’S OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Whangamomona is located about halfway along the 148km State Highway (SH) 43, between Stratford and Taumaranui. This doesn’t seem significant right?

You’re right. That’s until you know the highway is known as the ‘Forgotten World Highway’.

Maybe that’s why they’ve never gotten around to sealing a 15km section of the highway?

The highway opened in 1945 (50 years after works began) following the old bridle tracks. The area used to be a lot busier with a train line also running through the area, but when a derailment in 2009 happened, the cost of fixing the damages was uneconomical.

And now with less than 50 residents in Whangamomona, in combination with the not so great condition road (drive safely), there’s not a whole lot happening in terms of regular traffic. And most tourists will take SH 3 when heading to and from the New Plymouth/Mount Taranaki area.

But don’t be a sheep, there are lots to do on the highway on either side of Whangamomona, including:

• Visiting Lauren’s Lavendar Farm
• Driving through Moki Tunnel
• Stop at all the viewpoints over the saddles
• Visit a few waterfalls like the 85 metre Mount Damper

3. YOU CAN GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED

By declaring itself a Republic, the Whangamomona is an independent state (it’s a piss-take). And with that, comes big responsibility, including border control.

Not that they’ve got any strict border controls. But you can still get proof you’ve visited by heading to the Whangamomona Hotel and getting your passport stamped. It’ll cost you a couple of bucks to get the passport stamp. At least it’s cheaper than the NZeTA.

Worried about the legality of this? 100’s of people get the Republic of Whangamomona stamp every year. Around the world there are dozens of tourist attractions that’ll stamp your passport if you like. I’ve never heard of anyone having any issues with these touristy stamps while travelling.

4. YOU’LL BE OFFLINE

I’m an internet-o-holic. There I said it. You probably are too.

When you drive onto the SH 43, it doesn’t take long until your phone reception becomes spotty. Then you eventually lose all reception. It’s hard to find places where the internet isn’t readily available these days, and most of society is at the point where we seek these more and more.

If you need to connect, you can get Wi-Fi at the Whangamomona Hotel, but it’s not exactly fast.

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5. THERE ARE THINGS TO DO IN WHANGAMOMONA

It’s off the beaten path, and Wi-Fi is spotty, but luckily if you really need entertainment, there are a few activities that’ll fill in your time.

• Mini-Putt: Super fun little course with some good ole kiwi ingenuity behind some of the obstacles.
• Heritage Trail: The town used to be a lot busier, and there are information boards around the town that’ll detail the town’s past in more detail.
• Railway Thingy: Forgotten World Adventures has a rail cart tour departing from Whangamomona.
• Whangamomona Hotel: You’ll have a blast here, have a locally brewed beer, and a few chinwags. They’ve got good food too (you can see Hotel menu items here and here).

One night in Whangamomona is going to be enough for most of you.

With all the activities along the highway, and in Whangamomona a day trip doesn’t give the area the justice it deserves. If you really want to chill and go on bigger adventures like to the Bridge to Somewhere you could spend a few days here easy.

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The story behind the Republic is what hits the news, but there’s more to it.

When you take a chance on a place you aren’t sure about, the key is to have low expectations. That worked a treat for me, and I really enjoyed my night in Whangamomona.

Is Whangamomona worth visiting? It’s a yes for me!

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