Forgotten World Adventures Guided Rail Cart Tours Taumarunui
Forgotten World Adventures Guided Rail Cart Tours Taumarunui
Guided Rail Trail Tours Taumarunui
Delve into the mystic charm of the Central North Island’s Forgotten World, where history’s footsteps echo through the ages.
The Stratford-Okahukura Line (SOL), a 142km abandoned rail line adorned with 24 hand-built tunnels and over 90 bridges, takes you on a journey through this remote wonderland.
Forgotten World Adventures is your expert guide to this captivating region, offering a range of guided experiences.
Our unique adventures invite you to embark on an iconic self-driven rail cart journey from Taumarunui to Stratford.
With a front-row seat, witness the ever-changing, breathtaking landscapes while immersing yourself in New Zealand’s cultural and pioneering history, brought to life through passionate storytelling.
Traverse backcountry ghost towns, pristine native bush, rugged hills, and hidden valleys.
In addition to the rail cart journey, our experiences may include:
- An exhilarating jet boat ride along the majestic Whanganui River.
- A helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park.
- Visits to historic landmarks like the Whangamōmona Hotel and the Bridge to Nowhere.
Transport yourself to a bygone era filled with intrigue and embark on one of New Zealand’s most authentic and enchanting adventures.
Discover the secrets and treasures of the Forgotten World with us.
Forgotten World Rail Trail
Tokirima Taster
Price: $345 per person – Child $225 pp
Family Rate: ( 2 adults + 2 Child) $1025
Tour Starts: 07:30 & 11:00 am Taumarunui
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: $455 per person – Child $285 pp
Family Rate: ( 2 adults + 2 Child) $1315
Tour Starts: 7:30 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: $455 per person – Child $385 (Family of 4 $1485 )
Tour Starts: 7:30 am & 10:30 pm
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 $1045 per person
Tour Starts: 7:30 am
Tour Duration: 2 days
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 $2100 per person
Tour Starts: 7:30 am Set Dates in Octber 2022 to April 2023
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.
“The best way to explore the Forgotten World”
FAQ for Forgotten World Adventures Rail Cart Tours:
1. How do the rail carts work?
Our rail carts are re-engineered golf carts designed to run on railway tracks. They are powered by petrol and travel at 21-22 km/h. You’ll be in full control of the cart, with no guide accompanying you inside, but you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing before the tour. You’ll be seated with others from your booking, not with strangers.
2. Is the rail cart covered overhead? Will I get wet if it rains?
Yes, the rail carts are equipped with a covered roof. In case of heavy wind or rain, the carts have a windscreen and plastic sides that can be zipped up to keep you dry.
3. Where do I check in for my experience?
Check-in times and locations vary depending on the tour and direction. Please refer to the specific itinerary on the Experiences page of our website for details.
4. What time does the tour depart and where?
Departure times vary by tour and direction. Please refer to the individual itinerary for your tour to confirm departure times and locations.
5. What time will we return?
Return times vary depending on the tour. Please check the individual itinerary for each experience on our website.
6. How long is the tour?
Tour durations range from half-day to multi-day adventures. Check the itinerary for the specific tour you’re booking.
7. Are there toilet stops during the tour?
Yes, toilets are available at morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch stops along the tour.
8. How many people will be on my tour?
Group sizes vary. For the Expedition and Epic tours, we have smaller groups of up to 15. For rail cart tours, a maximum of 12 carts are available per group, and each cart is assigned to a single booking party, ensuring privacy.
9. What should I wear?
Wear sturdy footwear (no jandals), sunglasses, sun hat, and warm layers. A waterproof jacket is recommended. We also suggest bringing active wear and comfortable walking shoes for the multi-day tours.
10. Can I take a bag on the rail cart? Will my belongings stay dry?
Yes, small day bags can be stored in the rail carts. Waterproof containers are provided for extra protection of your belongings.
11. Can I use a drone during the experience?
Drones are not allowed due to private land restrictions and potential disruptions to other guests. You are welcome to take photos, however!
12. Are there any age restrictions for driving the rail carts?
You must have a current driver’s license (restricted or full) to operate the rail cart. Children and passengers are welcome but must follow all safety instructions.
13. Are there any weight limits for the tours?
There are no weight limits for any of the tours.
14. Can I bring my children on the tour?
Yes! Children are welcome. For younger kids, a car seat is required on the rail cart. Please bring your own car seat, and our team will assist with placement.
15. Is there a maximum number of guests per tour?
Group sizes vary, with a maximum of 15 for some tours and 12 rail carts for the rail cart experience. Each cart is reserved for a single booking party.
16. Do minimum guest numbers apply for tours?
Yes, for multi-day tours like The Epic, The Expedition, and The Ultimate, minimum guest numbers are required. If minimum numbers aren’t met, tours may be canceled, with notice provided 30 days in advance.
The History of the Forgotten World Railway
The Forgotten World Railway, originally known as the King Country Line or the Wanganui-Manutahi Line, was a monumental feat of engineering when it was constructed in the 1920s and 1930s. The line was built to link the isolated towns of the King Country region to the rest of New Zealand, providing a vital transport route for agricultural goods, timber, and other essential freight. It traversed through some of New Zealand’s most challenging and rugged landscapes, requiring the construction of tunnels, viaducts, and bridges to navigate the steep terrain.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the railway was its engineering. The line passed through 12 tunnels, some of which were carved through the solid rock of the rugged hills, and over 5 viaducts that spanned deep valleys. The Rangitikei Viaduct, for example, was a stunning 82-metre-high structure that stood as a testament to the ingenuity of the time. Despite these engineering marvels, the construction was fraught with difficulties, as the terrain was treacherous and the railway had to be carefully routed to avoid the steep hills and dense forests.
The line also played a critical role in connecting small, remote towns like Taumarunui, Whangamomona, and Manutahi with the rest of the country. For many years, it served as a lifeline for these communities, transporting agricultural products and goods to larger towns for sale or distribution. As the years went by, however, road transport began to outpace the railway, and by 1980, the line was closed to passenger services.
Rebranding to the Forgotten World Railway
After the closure, much of the railway was abandoned and forgotten, but the tracks and the stunning scenery remained. In the early 2000s, a group of visionaries sought to breathe new life into the line by repurposing it for tourism. It was rebranded as the Forgotten World Railway, a name that perfectly captured its historic past and the sense of remoteness the line passed through. The name evoked a sense of nostalgia, representing an era when the railway was a crucial part of daily life for many New Zealanders.
The rail carts that now travel along the line offer visitors a chance to explore the historic railway, retracing the same path once used by freight and passengers. As they journey through the Forgotten World, passengers travel through narrow tunnels, cross suspension bridges, and pass by scenic viaducts, all while learning about the history and culture of the region. The area’s rugged hills and dense forests provide a picturesque backdrop, and the trip offers a unique perspective of this hidden part of New Zealand.
Modern-Day Forgotten World Railway
Today, the Forgotten World Railway is a popular tourist attraction, offering a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience New Zealand’s history and natural beauty. As part of Forgotten World Adventures, visitors can take guided rail cart tours along the historic route, exploring the tunnels, bridges, and picturesque landscapes of the King Country.
Along the way, guests will encounter historic landmarks and learn about the challenging history of the railway, from the difficulties in construction to the line’s crucial role in connecting the remote communities of the region. The Whangamomona Hotel, a quirky and iconic stop along the way, tells the story of a town that once declared itself an independent republic and became a key part of the railway’s legacy.
The Forgotten World Railway offers one of New Zealand’s most scenic and historic rail journeys, blending the natural beauty of the country with its industrial past. It’s a must-do experience for anyone looking to explore a piece of New Zealand’s forgotten history while surrounded by stunning, unspoiled landscapes.