Forgotten World Adventures: “An Unforgettable Experience For All” 

 

• Scenic thrills

• Immersive journeys

• Unique stays

• Expert local guides

• Historical commentary

• Escapism

• Suitable for All

• 24 hand-made tunnels and 90 plus hand-built bridges

 

Winner of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the New Zealand Tourism Awards – 2018 and 2019.

Winner 2024 Tripadvisor Excellence Award.

 

Drive your own rail-cart along 142km of abandoned railway line through spectacular scenery!

 

Abandoned since 2009, the 142km long Stratford-Okahukura Line (SOL) with its 24 tunnels and 90 plus bridges, all hand-built, traverses the Forgotten World, the name given to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful, remote, yet seldom seen regions. Forgotten World Adventures are experts in guided experiences throughout this spectacular destination in the Central North Island. 

 

Choose from six unique adventures, each featuring an iconic self-driven guided rail cart journey on the line which runs between Taumarunui and Stratford. 

 

The region is steeped in history and cultural significance; immerse yourself in passionate storytelling about the early settlers and hardy pioneers whilst venturing through backcountry ghost towns, pristine native bush, rugged hills and deep hidden valleys. 

 

Enjoy a front row seat as you weave through the breathtaking, ever-changing landscape and feel magically disconnected from the pace of everyday life. Experiences can also include a jet boat ride along the majestic Whanganui River (including the longest commercial jet boat ride in the Southern Hemisphere), helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park and visits to the iconic Whangamōmona Hotel and Bridge to Nowhere amongst other historic landmarks and attractions. 

 

Discover the people and places history left behind, be transported to a bygone era bursting with intrigue and embark on one of the most authentic and enchanting experiences New Zealand has to offer.

 

Overview of the 6 adventures:

 

Tokirima Taster

 

A memorable half-day guided rail cart adventure to or from the old rural community of Tokirima.

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region and marvel at the engineering and determination of our pioneers as you travel along 40km of the railway between Okahukura and Tokirima. Venture through 10 hand-built tunnels, including the longest at 1.5km, and travel across a number of the line's impressive hand-built bridges. A stroll and refreshments at Lauren's Lavender Farm complete the itinerary; an intriguing introduction to the Forgotten World.

 

Duration: Half-day

Includes: Rail-side food and drinks, Lavender Farm visit, transfers

Optional extras: Accommodation at Forgotten World Motel

Departs: 7.30am or 11am from Taumarunui

 

The Republic

 

Our iconic full-day guided rail cart adventure to the unique Republic of Whangamōmona. Journey 82km along the line through breathtaking scenery and 20 hand-built tunnels including the longest at 1.5km. Traverse impressive hand-made bridges and pass through the forgotten townships of Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Haeo and Tangarakau before pulling into the self-proclaimed Republic. Visit the Whangamōmona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s most historic and remote inns, and the embodiment of the community’s rich and quirky history.

 

Duration: Full-day

Includes: Rail-side food and drinks, transfers

Optional extras: Accommodation at Whangamōmona Hotel and/or Forgotten World Motel, next day transfer, vehicle shift

Departs: 7.30am from Taumarunui. Direction can be reversed

 

Rail River Run

 

The perfect half-day guided rail and river combo including scenic Whanganui River jet boat ride.

This is the ideal experience for those wishing to discover the Forgotten World by land and from the water, learning about the region's special cultural and pioneering heritage whilst kicking back and enjoying the remarkable, ever-changing scenery. Travel along 40km of the Forgotten Railway and 23km of the majestic Whanganui River.

 

Duration: Half-day

Includes: Rail-side food & drinks, transfers

Optional extras: Accommodation at Forgotten World Motel

Departs: 7.30am or 10.30am from Taumarunui

 

The Ultimate

 

A remarkable two-day guided rail cart adventure from Taumarunui to Stratford.

Travel along the entire railway; through all 24 tunnels, across its 90 plus hand-made bridges and see remnants of original settlements and once-thriving towns whilst being fully immersed in spectacular scenery and stories of our pioneers. Overnight in the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona, staying at one of New Zealand’s most iconic and remote hotels.

 

Duration: 2 days

Includes: Dinner plus bed and breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel, rail-side food and drinks, transfers

Optional extras: Accommodation at Forgotten World Motel, vehicle shift

Departs: 7.30am from Taumarunui or 10am from Stratford

 

The Expedition

 

A two-day guided rail cart adventure including spectacular helicopter and jet boat rides.

Ride the rails through 20 hand-built tunnels to the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona, helicopter over the Whanganui National Park, enjoy a guided bush walk to the Bridge to Nowhere and journey back up the majestic Whanganui River on the longest commercial jet boat ride in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

Duration: 2 days

Includes: Helicopter, jet boat, dinner plus bed & breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel, rail-side food and drinks, transfers

Optional extras: Accommodation at Forgotten World Motel

Departs: 7.30am from Taumarunui

 

The Epic

 

An unforgettable four-day guided adventure with full immersion in the region’s dramatic landscapes.

Travel along the entire railway and stay at the iconic Whangamōmona Hotel, enjoy an overnight in Whanganui and at the award-winning Blue Duck Station in Retaruke, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Enjoy storytelling of our ancestors along the Old River Road to Pipiriki, jet boat the length of the Whanganui River, enjoy a guided bush walk to the Bridge to Nowhere and conclude with lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm. 

 

Duration: 4 days

Includes: 3 nights' accommodation, jet boat, specified meals, transfers

Optional extras: Accommodation at Forgotten World Motel

Departs: 7.30am from Taumarunui

 

For more detailed information, check out the website and the Rates Sheet on the RATES PAGE. 

 

Contact Details

 

Grant Ross (CEO, Owner/Operator): +64 (0)27 221 1201

Laura Wackett (Co-owner): +64 (0)27 221 3063

 

9 Hakiaha Street

Taumarunui 3920

New Zealand 

(Forgotten World Adventures HQ and location of Forgotten World Motel)

 

Email: bookings@fwa.co.nz     

Website: www.fwa.co.nz