Taupo
Updated: 19 th June 2026
Compare Forgotten World Adventures Rail Cart Tours
Forgotten World Adventures offers one of New Zealand’s most unique rail cart experiences, exploring the historic Forgotten Railway from Taumarunui. Travel through remote countryside, hand-built tunnels and historic townships long closed to regular train services.
Choose from half-day, full-day and multi-day guided tours that combine history, scenery and adventure in a truly off-the-beaten-track part of the North Island.
Explore the Historic Forgotten Railway by Rail Cart
Discover the Forgotten World of New Zealand’s Central North Island on a guided rail cart tour from Taumarunui. Along the historic Stratford–Okahukura Line (SOL), this 142km railway features 24 hand-built tunnels and more than 90 bridges through one of the country’s most remote and fascinating landscapes.
Forgotten World Adventures invites you to experience this iconic railway by self-driven rail cart, travelling through native bush, rugged hill country, ghost towns and hidden valleys while learning the stories of the pioneers who once shaped the region.
Choose from half-day, full-day and multi-day adventures — including jet boat rides on the Whanganui River, helicopter flights over Whanganui National Park and visits to historic landmarks like the Whangamōmona Hotel and the Bridge to Nowhere.
Tour Comparison Table
“Six ways to explore the Forgotten World”
| Tour | Duration | Distance & Tunnels | Includes | Overnight Stays | From (Adult) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokirima Taster | ~6 hours | 40km rail · 10 tunnels (incl. the 1.5km longest) | Rail cart + ploughman’s lunch + Lauren’s Lavender Farm visit | None | $385pp | First-timers, families, half-day visitors |
| The Republic | ~10 hours | 82km rail · 21 hand-cut tunnels | Rail cart + morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea | None (optional add-on) | $499pp | Our most popular tour — full immersion in a single day |
| Rail River Combo | ~8 hours | 40km rail + 23km jet boat · 10 tunnels, 20 bridges | Rail cart + jet boat + lunch at Tokirima Station | None | $499pp | Adventure-seekers who want rail and river in one day |
| The Ultimate | 2 days | 142km — the full line · 24 tunnels, 90+ bridges | Rail cart end-to-end + all meals + 1 night Whangamōmona Hotel | 1 night | $1,180pp | Completists who want the entire railway, start to finish |
| The Expedition | 2 days | 80km+ rail · 21 tunnels + helicopter + jet boat | Rail cart + helicopter flight + Bridge to Nowhere walk + jet boat + all meals | 1 night (Whangamōmona Hotel) | $2,320pp | Bucket-list travellers wanting rail, air and river |
| The Epic | 4 days | 142km — the full line · 24 tunnels + helicopter + jet boat | Everything in The Ultimate and The Expedition, plus an extra night at Blue Duck Station | 3 nights (Whangamōmona, Whanganui, Blue Duck Station) | $3,620pp | The deepest, most complete Forgotten World experience |
N.B. Rail Trail Season: Forgotten World Adventures generally operates from October through May, with the railway closed during winter for maintenance. Advance bookings are recommended during the operating season.
Forgotten World Rail Trail
Tokirima Taster
Price: $385 per person – Child $245 pp
Family Rate: ( 2 adults + 2 Child) $1075
Tour Starts: 08:00Taumarunui
Tour Duration: 6 Hours
After checking in at the Forgotten World Motel, Taumarunui, we will shuttle you to your waiting rail cart at Okahukura.
Journey back in time as you set off down the line along 40km of the Forgotten World Railway. Travel through 10 tunnels, including the longest (1.5km), and marvel at the beautiful handbuilt brick tunnels. Enjoy cruising through stunning hill country farms and native bush.
A lovely ploughman’s lunch and our fabulous home baking will await your arrival at Tokirima, after which you will board your return shuttle. On your return journey, you’ll get to visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm, which was placed second in the Top 10 Lavender Farms in New Zealand.
Here you can breathe in the relaxing aromas of the lavender fields next to the Whanganui River and browse the gift shop with all the excellent lavender products. Board the shuttle to return to the Forgotten World Motel.
- Journey through the Forgotten World
- Breathtaking landscapes steeped in history and stories
- Experience the line’s longest tunnel at 1.5km and other beautiful handbuilt brick tunnels
- Visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm
Forgotten World Rail Trail
The Republic
Price: $499 per person – Child $315 pp
Family Rate: ( 2 adults + 2 Child) $1390
Tour Starts: 7:00 am
Tour Duration: 10 Hours approx
Our most popular tour, this full-day experience, immerses you in the Forgotten World and its history. Travel through breathtaking landscapes and discover a different vista whenever you emerge from a tunnel.
Tour departs the Forgotten World Adventure Taumarunui Depot at 7.30 am and will arrive in Whangamomona at approx 3.45 pm. The “Same Day” shuttle picks you up after a quick look around Whangamomona and delivers you back to our Taumarunui depot at approx 6.15 pm.
Choose this tour if you plan to start and finish in Taumarunui OR start in Taumarunui, stay overnight in Whangamomona and return to Taumarunui the next day.
OR start in Taumarunui and have your vehicle transferred to Whangamomona to continue your journey from there.
Additional Options:
- Stay overnight in Whangamomona (just let us know if you would like us to book accommodation for you ) and return to Taumarunui on our Next Day Shuttle.
- Book a vehicle transfer, so your vehicle is waiting for you in Whangamomona.
- Book accommodation in Taumarunui for the night before and or the night after your tour
Forgotten World – Rail River Run (Combine Rail Trail & Jet Boat)
Price: $499 per person – Child $420 (Family of 4 $1570 )
Tour Starts: 8:00 am
Tour Duration: 7 Hours approx
Enjoy the best of both worlds, encountering ten tunnels and 20 bridges as you travel 40km by rail and 23km by Jet Boat on the Whanganui River, a mixture of nostalgia and adrenaline.
7:30 am departure: Travel through 10 hand-dug tunnels and over 20 bridges before enjoying your waiting lunch at the old Tokirima Station. After lunch, you will be shuttled down to the Ohinepane landing on the waiting jet boat for an exhilarating 23 km ride back up the Whanganui River to Cherry Grove in Taumarunui.
10:30 am departure: Our shuttle will take you down to Cherry Grove to jet boat 23km down the Whanganui River to Ohinepane Landing. From there, you leave the river and board our shuttle to have lunch at the old Tokirima Station. After lunch, board your RailCart and travel through 10 hand-dug tunnels and over 20 bridges as you make your way back up the line to Okahukura. There is a 10-minute shuttle back to our Taumarunui depot.
Travel 23km down the magnificent Whanganui River to be picked up by our shuttle and taken to the old Tokirima Station. You will board your Rail Cart and travel the 30 km rail line back to Okahukura. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Itinerary: Check in at the Forgotten World Motel and take a short shuttle bus to the start of the line at Okahukura. Here you’ll board your Rail Cart and embark on your journey through the Forgotten World. Immerse yourself in the changing views of rolling hills, remote farmland and native bush, and experience wildlife close to the tracks as you travel through tunnels and over bridges.
Stop at Tokirima Station and enjoy a Ploughman’s lunch between your adventures before taking the shuttle to the Ohinepane Landing on the Whanganui River.
In the afternoon, embark on an informative Jet Boat journey on the Whanganui river and take in the awe-inspiring scenery. Leave the river at Cherry Grove for your return transfer back to our finishing point, the Forgotten World Motel.
Option to do the trip in reverse, with a 10.30 am departure. Start with the Jet Boat and return by Rail Cart.
Forgotten World - Taumarunui to Stratford Rail The "Ultimate Tour"
Price: from $1180 per person
Tour Starts: 7:30 am
Tour Duration: 2 days (appron 33 hours)
N.B. The tour can be done in reverse
The history of this unique landscape will resonate as you absorb the stories and relive the memories of New Zealand’s pioneering past with this two-day journey back in time. Unplugged yet still ‘on the line’ as you travel the entire 142km from Okahukura to Stratford or Stratford to Okahukura with an overnight stay (additional to tour) in Whangamomona. You’ll go through all 24 tunnels, cross all 98 bridges and see the remnants of the original settlements along the line – the ultimate experience.
You can continue on your travels from here, talk to us about a vehicle transfer, or we can help you organise a return shuttle to your departure point. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon snacks are provided on both days.
Taumaruni Rail Trail Tour: DAY 1
Check in at the Forgotten World Motel and take a shuttle bus to the start of the line at Okahukura. Here you’ll board your Rail Cart and set off on your journey through the Forgotten World. Immerse yourself in the changing views of rolling hills, remote farmland and native bush, and experience wildlife close to the tracks.
Stop along the way to hear stories from your guide of the land, its people and history. Travel over bridges and through and-built brick tunnels, including the lines longest tunnel at 1.5km, and journey through the Tangarakau Gorge.
Enjoy morning and afternoon tea stops at historic settlements of Matiere and Tangarakau, and a Ploughman’s lunch at Tokirima.
Arrive in the Republic of Whangamomona, explore the area and its charismatic pub.
Overnight accommodation is included
Taumaruni Rail Trail Tour: DAY 2
Depart Whangamomona and continue your journey to Stratford. Discover ever-changing vistas as you learn about the history of the area and the stories of the settlers. See redwood plantations, pine forest and deer farms and get up close and personal with local wildlife in sheep and beef country.
Stop for morning tea and home baking at TeWera Station siding, and visit an organic farm with the opportunity to sample and buy locally made produce.
Enjoy lunch at Douglas Station, then continue your journey and marvel at the spectacular Mt Taranaki dominating the skyline. Travel on the largest bridge over the Patea River, and discover Taranaki dairy farmland. Arrive at Victoria Road in Stratford about 3pm ready for your onward travel or take the same day return shuttle to Taumarunui (additional cost).
Forgotten World Ultimate "The Expedition" (2 Days)
Includes: Rail trail – Helicopter Flight & Jet Boat Whanganui River
Price: from $2320 per person
Tour Starts: 7:30 am Set Dates in Octber 2026 to April 2027
Tour Duration: 2 Days
Join us for a Forgotten World Expedition. A day on the rails and a day jet boating along the Whanganui River on the longest commercial jet boat tour in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Expedition is two full days and includes one night accommodation.
RailCart down the Forgotten World Railway to the Republic of Whangamomona, more than 80km of total immersion into the true stories and tall tales woven into this unique landscape.
Stay the night in the Republic. The second day after a spectacular helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park to the Bridge to Nowhere, you’ll be jet boating up the Whanganui River exploring historical sites and scenes, including the “Bridge to
Nowhere” on the longest commercial jet boat tour in the Southern Hemisphere.
Along the way stopping for morning, afternoon tea and 
lunch. This is the longest commercial jet boat tour in the Southern Hemisphere.
Please note that a good level of fitness is required to complete the approximate 6km bushwalk comfortably. We highly recommend wearing appropriate walking shoes with a good grip as the trail can be slippery at times.
The Expedition includes;
Day One
– 20 tunnel tour – Taumarunui to Whangamomona. including morning and afternoon tea, lunch and local guide.
– Accommodation at the historic Whangamomona Hotel including dinner.
Day Two
– Continental breakfast
– 25 km helicopter flight (weather permitting), the alternative will be to drive the Forgotten World Highway to the Whanganui River.
– 110 km jet boat ride on the Whanganui River. Walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (40 min one way)
– Morning, afternoon tea and lunch, driver/guide
– Returning to Taumarunui 4:30pm.
Forgotten World Adventures – The Epic (4 Days)
Includes: Full Rail Trail – Whangamōmona, Whanganui & Blue Duck Station
Price: from $3620 per person
Tour Starts: 7:30 am Set Dates in Octber 2026 to April 2027
Tour Duration: 4 Days (3 Nights
This is the Forgotten World, in full. Our most immersive adventure takes you the entire 142km length of the historic Stratford–Okahukura Line, through all 24 hand-built tunnels and over 90-plus bridges, before continuing your journey by river and by air deep into the Whanganui wilderness. Four days, three very different overnight stays, and a true end-to-end experience of one of New Zealand’s most remote and storied corners.
Travel through native bush, rugged hill country and long-forgotten settlements as your guide shares the stories of the pioneers, farmers and railway workers who carved this line into the King Country. From the Republic of Whangamōmona to the banks of the Whanganui River, The Epic weaves together rail, river and helicopter into one unhurried, fully-guided journey.
The Epic includes:
- The complete 142km rail cart journey — every tunnel, every bridge, start to finish
- Three nights’ accommodation: the historic Whangamōmona Hotel, riverside in Whanganui, and the award-winning Blue Duck Station
- A scenic helicopter flight over Whanganui National Park (weather permitting)
- A guided walk to the Bridge to Nowhere
- A Whanganui River jet boat journey, including a stretch of the longest commercial jet boat ride in the Southern Hemisphere
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea each day, plus dinner and breakfast at your overnight stops
The Epic: DAY 1
Check in at the Forgotten World Motel, Taumarunui, and take the shuttle to the start of the line at Okahukura. Board your Rail Cart and set off into the Forgotten World, travelling through rolling hill country, native bush and remote farmland. Stop along the way to hear stories of the land and its people, and pass through some of the line’s most spectacular hand-built tunnels en route to the Tangarakau Gorge.
Arrive in the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona in the afternoon — explore the township and its famously eccentric pub before settling in for the night. Overnight accommodation and dinner at the historic Whangamōmona Hotel are included.
The Epic: DAY 2
Continue your rail cart journey from Whangamōmona toward Stratford, completing the remainder of the 142km line. Pass redwood plantations, pine forest and deer farms, with Mt Taranaki dominating the skyline as you near the end of the rails. Arrive into Taranaki dairy country before transferring onward to Whanganui for your second overnight stay, riverside and ready for tomorrow’s adventure on the water.
The Epic: DAY 3
Swap rails for rotors and rapids. Take a scenic helicopter flight over Whanganui National Park (road transfer available as a weather-dependent alternative), landing for a guided walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. From there, join your jet boat for an exhilarating ride along the Whanganui River, taking in gorges, native forest and historic sites along the water. Your third night is spent at the award-winning Blue Duck Station, deep in the river country.
The Epic: DAY 4
Continue your journey back down the Whanganui River by jet boat, leaving the wilderness behind as you transfer back to Taumarunui to conclude your Epic adventure. Please note a good level of fitness is recommended for the Bridge to Nowhere walk, and sturdy footwear with good grip is essential, as the trail can be slippery.
Choose The Epic if you have four days to spare and want to experience the Forgotten World without compromise — the entire rail line like The Ultimate, and the helicopter and jet boat adventure of The Expedition, plus an extra night at the renowned Blue Duck Station that neither of those trips include. Choose The Ultimate instead if your priority is simply the rail journey end-to-end in two days. Choose The Expedition if you want the rail-and-river combination but only have two days to give it.
When Can You Travel the Forgotten World?
Forgotten World Adventures operates from mid-October to mid-May each year. The line closes from mid-May to mid-October so the team can carry out essential maintenance and safety works on the historic railway — so if you’re planning a trip outside the main season, it’s worth checking current availability before you finalise your travel dates.
During the open season, the Reception and Bookings desk runs from 6.30am to 7pm, seven days a week. During the winter maintenance period, hours are 8am to 5pm, seven days a week (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
Booking tip: Tours close to bookings 12 hours before departure. If you’re hoping for a walk-in or last-minute spot, call first thing in the morning to check availability rather than travelling to Taumarunui on the off-chance.
Can’t travel in season? A Forgotten World Adventures gift voucher (valid for 3 years) is a great way to lock in the experience for a future trip.
Why Choose Forgotten World Adventures
“The Best Way to Explore the Forgotten World”
Forgotten World Adventures is the only operator offering self-driven rail cart journeys along the historic Stratford–Okahukura Line — a genuinely one-of-a-kind way to experience New Zealand’s remote King Country backcountry, from the driver’s seat of your own cart.
- Qualmark Gold rated — New Zealand’s official quality and sustainability mark for tourism operators
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner (2026) and ranked in the top 10% of attractions worldwide on Tripadvisor
- 1,000+ five-star Tripadvisor reviews and 500+ five-star Google reviews from past guests
Six guided experiences to choose from — half-day to four days — so there’s a Forgotten World adventure for every budget, timeframe and appetite for adventure- Committed to sustainable tourism, including the Tiaki Promise and a working partnership with the Department of Conservation
Whether you’ve got six hours or four days, you’ll be guided every step of the way — while still being the one in the driver’s seat.
“The best way to explore the Forgotten World”
FAQ for Forgotten World Adventures Rail Cart Tours:
How do the Forgotten World Adventures rail carts work?
Forgotten World Adventures rail carts are re-engineered golf carts that run on the historic rail line. You drive your own cart (after a safety briefing) and travel in a small convoy with a lead guide. Carts cruise about 21–22 km/h. Seating is private to your booking party.
Where do I check in for Taumarunui rail cart tours?
Check-in location and time depend on your chosen route/direction. Use the details in your booking confirmation and allow 15 minutes to park, use facilities, and complete safety checks. If you’re unsure, call ahead the day prior—some tours start in different towns along the line.
How long is the tour and when do we return?
Tour durations range from short samplers (half-day) to full-day and multi-day expeditions. Return times vary with route, stops, and weather. Your confirmation shows the planned timetable; build in buffer if you’ve onward travel—rural logistics and photo stops can stretch the day (in the best way).
Are the rail carts covered—will I get wet if it rains?
Yes. Carts have a roof, windscreen and roll-down sides that zip shut in rain or wind. You’ll still feel outdoor temperatures, so dress for the day. Light showers are fine; in severe weather, the operator may adjust plans for comfort and safety.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear sturdy closed shoes (no jandals), comfortable layers, a warm/waterproof jacket, sun hat and sunglasses. Bring snacks/water, sunscreen, and a small torch/headlamp for tunnels. For multi-day trips, add activewear and an extra mid-layer. Cameras welcome—keep straps secure near tunnel entries.
Are there toilet stops during the tour?
Yes—facilities are available at scheduled morning/afternoon tea and lunch stops (and selected sidings). Your guide will brief the group on timings at check-in and before departure.
How many people are on each tour?
Group size varies by product and season. Rail cart departures typically run up to 12 carts; each cart seats only your booking party (no mixing). Expedition/Epic style trips are smaller—often up to ~15 guests. Exact numbers depend on bookings and schedule.
Who can drive the rail cart? Can children come?
Drivers need a current restricted or full licence and must follow the safety briefing. Children are welcome as passengers. If your child requires a car seat in a car, bring one for the cart; staff can help with fitting. All passengers must remain seated and buckled.
Are there weight or height limits?
There are no formal weight limits for standard rail cart tours. All guests must be able to sit comfortably with a lap belt fastened and follow guide instructions. If you have specific accessibility needs, contact the team in advance so they can advise on best fit.
Can I bring a bag—and will it stay dry?
Yes—small daypacks fit easily in each cart, and waterproof containers are provided for items that need extra protection. Keep valuables zipped inside a pocket or dry bag when entering/exiting tunnels.
Can I fly a drone on the tour?
No. Drone use isn’t permitted due to private-land restrictions and to preserve other guests’ experience. Handheld photography is welcome—tunnels, bridges and valleys make for great shots.
Do minimum numbers apply?
Yes—selected multi-day trips (e.g., Expedition/Epic/Ultimate) require minimum guest numbers. If a departure is unlikely to meet minimums, the operator will contact you in advance with options (transfer to another date/route or a refund as per their policy).
Getting there: how do I reach check-in and what should I allow?
Most rail cart tours operate around Taumarunui (central North Island). Allow extra time on rural roads and follow your confirmation for the exact start point—some routes begin or end in different towns. Fuel up before you leave, and check road works/conditions on travel days.
Is the Forgotten World Highway (SH43) suitable for my vehicle?
The Forgotten World Highway (SH43) is a remote scenic route between Stratford and Taumarunui. Road conditions and works can change; check official updates before you drive. Carry plenty of fuel, take it steady on winding sections, and allow buffer time—mobile coverage is patchy in places.
The History of the Forgotten World Railway
Long before the first rail cart ever rolled down it, the Stratford–Okahukura Line (SOL) was one of New Zealand’s most ambitious — and most difficult — railway projects. Built to link the Taranaki town of Stratford with the North Island Main Trunk at Okahukura, near Taumarunui, the line was designed to open up the remote King Country hinterland, giving isolated farming, timber and coal-mining communities a route to get their goods to market and connect with the rest of New Zealand.
Construction began at Stratford in March 1901 and took an extraordinary 32 years to complete. Workers carved 24 tunnels by hand through some of the North Island’s most rugged hill country and built more than 90 bridges across deep gorges and river valleys — much of it using little more than picks, shovels and sheer determination. By the time the line was finished in the early 1930s, it stretched 142km through some of New Zealand’s wildest and least-populated landscapes, linking small settlements such as Whangamōmona, Tangarakau and Ōhura that had previously been almost cut off from the outside world.
Why the Line Was Forgotten
For decades, the railway was a genuine lifeline for these back-country communities. But the very remoteness it was built to overcome eventually caught up with it. As roads improved through the region — including the Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43), which winds through much of the same wild country — road transport became faster and more flexible than rail for the small towns the line served.
Passenger services on the line ended in 1983 and, while freight trains continued running on parts of the route for a while longer, a derailment in 2009 led to the entire line being mothballed.
For a few years, the tunnels, bridges and tracks sat unused — a forgotten relic of New Zealand’s pioneering past, hidden away in one of the country’s most isolated corners.
How Forgotten World Adventures Brought the Line Back to Life
In 2012, Forgotten World Adventures secured a 30-year lease from KiwiRail to operate guided tours along the disused line using specially modified, self-driven rail carts in place of trains. It was this initiative that gave the old railway its second life, turning a closed and crumbling piece of infrastructure into one of New Zealand’s most distinctive travel experiences.
The name “Forgotten World” reflects the remoteness that made the line so difficult to build in the first place, and which still defines the region today. It’s a name shared with the Forgotten World Highway running through the same wild country, and with the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona — the quirky township sitting right on the route, which famously declared its independence in 1989 in protest at a local council boundary change.
Today, Forgotten World Adventures offers six different ways to experience the line, ranging from the half-day Tokirima Taster to the four-day Epic journey covering the full 142km route.
Exploring the Line Today
Travelling the Forgotten World Railway by rail cart means following the same 142km route carved out by hand over three decades — through all 24 tunnels, across dozens of bridges, and past the remnants of settlements that have long since faded. Guides share stories of the people who built and worked the line, the communities it once supported, and the characters — like those of Whangamōmona — who still call this remote corner of the King Country home.
It’s a journey through genuine New Zealand history: not a recreation, but the real, hand-built railway, reborn for a new generation of travellers to explore at their own pace.
