Embark on a rail cart journey along the Forgotten World railway and explore the Whanganui River by jet boat. Experience the dramatic landscapes and ever-changing scenery of New Zealand’s Forgotten World.
Select from six distinct adventures, all highlighting an unforgettable self-guided rail cart excursion between Taumarunui and Stratford.
Nestled between Mt Ruapehu to the east and Mt Taranaki to the west, the Stratford-Okahukura Line follows the path of New Zealand’s oldest heritage trail, State Highway 43, famously called the Forgotten World Highway.
Stretching 142 km between Taumarunui and Stratford, this route winds through untouched sub-tropical rainforests, pristine landscapes, and numerous captivating historical and natural landmarks.
- Now listed in top 10% of attractions worldwide
- Winner of the Traveller’s Choice Award 2024 and 2023
Experience the Forgotten World
Forgotten World Adventures specialise in curated journeys across this breathtaking destination.
Options may extend to a thrilling jet boat excursion along the magnificent Whanganui River, a scenic helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park, and explorations of notable landmarks such as the Whangamōmona Hotel and the historic Bridge to Nowhere, among other captivating attractions.
Enjoy a front-row experience as you journey through awe-inspiring landscapes while uncovering the pioneering history of our nation. Break away from the routine and venture into an adventure that immerses you in a past era filled with fascination in the often overlooked region known as the Forgotten World.
Whether you’re seeking a half-day excursion, a two-day, 142km trip, or something uniquely special, we provide adventures to satisfy all tastes, catering to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Transfers/Bus shuttles are included with all our experiences and we can organise for your vehicle to be moved to your end destination for a small charge if this aids your onwards travel plans.
Please note: Forgotten World Adventures does not operate experiences between mid-May and the beginning of October to allow for essential maintenance to be carried out along the line. Season 2024/5 starts Saturday 12th October 2024 and runs until Saturday 10th May 2025.
Forgotten World Rail Cart Trips
Tokirima Taster – Half Day – Easy
Departs 7.30 am or 11 am from Taumarunui
A memorable half-day 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. Venture through 10 hand-built tunnels and across a number of the line’s impressive hand-built bridges. An intriguing introduction to the Forgotten World.
Rail River Combo – Half Day – Easy to Medium
Departs 7.30 am or 10.30 am from Taumarunui. Option to do the trip in reverse, with a 10.30am departure. Start with the Jet Boat and return by Rail Cart.
This experience departs from Taumarunui only (Forgotten World Adventures’ base at Forgotten World Motel). The direction can be reversed as with some of our other experiences.
The perfect half-day 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 scenery. Travel along 40km of the Forgotten Railway and 23km of the majestic Whanganui River.
The Republic – Full Day – Easy
Departs 7.30 am from Taumarunui, direction can be reversed – ie. you can either start at Taumarunui and finish in Whangamomona (departing Taumarunui at 7.30am) or start at Whangamomona (departing 9am from Whangamomona) and finish up in Taumarunui.
Our iconic full-day rail cart adventure to the unique republic of Whangamomona.
Journey 82km along the line through breathtaking scenery and 20 hand-built tunnels. Traverse impressive bridges and pass through forgotten townships before pulling into the self-proclaimed Republic. Visit the Whangamomona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s most historic hotels and the embodiment of the community’s rich and quirky history.
The Ultimate – 2 Day – Easy
Departs 7.30 am from Taumarunui or 10 am from Stratford
A remarkable two-day rail cart adventure from Taumarunui to Stratford.
Travel along the entire railway; through all 24 hand-built tunnels, across its 90 plus hand-built bridges, see remnants of original settlements and once-thriving towns, whilst being fully immersed in spectacular scenery and stories of our pioneers. Overnight in the Republic of Whangamomona, staying at one of New Zealand’s most iconic and remote hotels.
The Expedition – 2 Day – Moderate
Departs 7.30 am from Taumarunui
A two-day rail cart adventure including spectacular helicopter flight and jet boat ride.
Ride the rails through 20 hand-built tunnels to the Republic of Whangamomona, 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.
Minimum numbers apply*
Please note that a reasonable level of fitness is required to complete the approximate 6km bushwalk. Although this is a well-formed track, it can be slippery at times, therefore appropriate shoes with a good grip should be worn.
The Epic – 4 Day – Moderate
Departs 7.30 am from Taumarunui
An unforgettable four-day adventure with full immersion in the region’s dramatic landscapes.
Travel along the entire railway and stay at the iconic Whangamomona Hotel, Whanganui and the award-winning Blue Duck Station. Enjoy storytelling of our ancestors along the Old River Road to Pipiriki, jet boat along 145km of the Whanganui River, enjoy a guided bush walk to the Bridge to Nowhere and conclude with lunch at the Lavender Farm.
All accommodation and specified meals are included. Minimum numbers apply*
Custom Experiences for Groups & Special Occasions
Whether you’re commemorating a birthday, anniversary, or wedding, or simply seeking a distinctive and enjoyable experience with family or friends, we can customise each adventure to suit your needs. Looking for something unconventional for your corporate event or team-building activity? We’ve got you covered.
Gift Vouchers & Souvenirs Available.
Contact our experienced bookings team to talk through your needs.
Our Forgotten World experiences operate between mid-May and the beginning of October each year.
Season 2024/5 starts on Saturday 12th October 2024 and runs until 10th May 2025.
Booking Team hours are as follows:
- Mid-October to mid-May: 6.30am – 6pm (7 days a week)
- Mid-May to mid-October: 8am – 5pm (7 days a week)
Please telephone 0800 7245 2278 (Freephone from NZ) or +64 7 895 7181 (from outside NZ)
