We had an extremely long journey today. It took so long because the road, beautiful as it is, never stops going round bends and over valleys and hills. It needs lots of concentration as you drive along.

At 8am we set off early today. We wanted to capture the volcano and the Te Wera Wera bridge one more time. It was the morning misty conditions that stopped this sadly. Nearer Stratford the cloud cleared briefly and grandad managed to get this farewell shot.

We headed south for Stratford and the start of the Forgotten World Highway. The 151 km in total road, is unrelentingly, twisty, steep and full of magnificent views. The mist gradually cleared and we could see soooooooo far over the landscape. There are valleys in every direction and 4 main rivers cutting through the area. Each river has what they call a saddle of parallel hills jutting out cut deeply by tiny vertical mini valleys. It is very extraordinary landscape.

Half way along is a crazy town ” The republic of Whangamomona” that has since 1980s made itself a republic. It has its own passports, people flock there annually to celebrate its independence! We had our breakfast in the hotel pub.

A tunnel had been made through the hill at one part and cut out by hand inside. It was later on lowered in depth to allow the large animal trucks to pass through.

We next went down a gorge on an unpaved 7 miles of dirt track. Then the road became tarmac again. Eventually we joined the main road towards Hamilton. The Forgotten World Highway is 151 kms long. We’re really pleased we went that way for the experience, even though it took so long to travel along!

We followed 3 flatbed lorries carrying lots of beehives. The bees were flying out of them at times. We over took them…..then we stopped to look at our map ……and the lorries got in front again. Grandad teased me making out we were being followed by a swarm of bees trying to catch up to their queen bees!

We are now at the city of Hamilton for one night and we continue tomorrow to north of Auckland, our last location before we fly to Los Angeles.