An Authentic Kiwi Experience | The Forgotten World Story

OUR STORY

`a hidden gem - the ultimate kiwi experience

We offer guests the opportunity to self-drive their own, now iconic, Forgotten World rail cart along the 142km of heritage rail tracks whilst immersed in the truly spectacular and ever-changing native New Zealand landscape. We offer the thrill of a scenic train journey from the unmatched perspective of a rail cart, an unrivalled experience in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Read on to find out how it all
happened…

Unearthing a hidden gem in nz

When someone first suggested turning a decommissioned railway line in the Central North Island into a tourist attraction, no one could have guessed how such an ambitious gamble would become an instant success. 12 years on from its launch in 2012, that attraction, Forgotten World Adventures, now welcomes around 7000 visitors a year and employs 40 staff in peak season.

new owners and a new vision...

Current owners, Grant Ross and Laura Wackett, took over the business after relocating their young family from France to New Zealand in March 2022, a move which brought with it a much desired professional challenge for them both, and on the personal side, fulfilling the dream to give their two boys, Harrison and Cameron, a traditional Kiwi upbringing.

Our Vision

Forgotten
no longer

Grant, Laura and the Forgotten World Adventures whānau, hold a shared vision; to make their business New Zealand’s most loved Kiwi adventure tourism experience, providing never to be forgotten experiences for all. As well as creating jobs locally, we are pleased to say the business continues to increase visitor numbers to a regional area that wasn’t previously considered a tourist destination.

We are proud to contribute to the economic growth of the area and to support local businesses and producers. We believe the Forgotten World has an incredible amount to offer travellers and adventurers of all ages and abilities; so many stories to tell, both old and new.

We hope this inspires you to escape your world and join us in ours.

Laura & Grant

You’ve read about us

now Experience a forgotten world

Tokirima Taster

Half Day Experience

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

$345

NZD

The Republic

Full Day Experience

Our iconic full-day rail cart adventure to the unique republic of Whangamōmona.

$455

NZD

Rail River Combo

Half Day Experience

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

$455

NZD

The Ultimate

Two Day Experience

A remarkable two-day rail cart adventure between Taumarunui and Stratford.

$1,045

NZD

The Expedition

Two Day Experience

A two-day rail cart adventure including spectacular helicopter flight and jet boat ride.

$2,100

NZD

The Epic

Four Day Experience

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

$3,280

NZD

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