Sitting at the start of the Forgotten World Highway, Taumarunui is a drive-through town for most New Zealand roadtrippers. The main road is armed with a McDonald’s and a gas station, meaning most people stop there and never venture further. But in exploring the town for a few hours, we found that it has small-town NZ charm without the touristy kitsch, and we loved it. Here are some photos, a reminder of why it’s great to sometimes stop at places not on the tourist docket:
NZ police officers stop by a stall selling clothes and plants during the weekly market.A stone memorial with a top hat is the chance to take cute pictures.Local meat pies! This one is the chicken and vegetable, a salty chicken stew encased in a crisp, crusty pocket.Taller than you: Stoytcho (193 cm) stares up at a giant moa sculpture sponsored by the Rotary Club and constructed of found wood pieces.A lighthearted PSA in the town’s parkThe park playground, which has PERFECT swings that fit children and children-at-heart (like us)
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