The Expedition
Two Day
two day
Experience
Perfect for the adventurous traveller, see our region by land, river and sky
Moderate
Difficulty
An ideal experience for those seeking a little more adventure and activity
A two-day rail cart adventure including spectacular helicopter flight and jet boat ride.
Ride the rails through 21 hand-built tunnels to the 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.
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.
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Whangamōmona Hotel
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Enjoy rich cultural stories
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Bridge to Nowhere
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Venture Through the Awa’s Deep Gorges
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Explore the Forgotten World by Boat
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See the Forgotten World by air
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Dreamy Landscapes
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Tunnels & Bridges
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Journey into the heart of wild New Zealand
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Highlights
Unique 82km rail cart journey through the Forgotten World
Scenic helicopter flight over Whanganui National Park
120km jet boat ride along the Whanganui River – longest commercial jet boat ride in Southern Hemisphere
Guided 6km bush walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere
Jaw-dropping scenery steeped in fascinating history
Pristine native bush, open hill countryside, back-country towns
Venture through 21 of the line’s hand-cut tunnels and traverse many of the bridges
Dinner, bed and breakfast at the Whangamōmona Hotel
The Expedition
INCLUSIONS
Scenic helicopter flight
Scenic helicopter flight over the spectacular Whanganui National Park
82KM scenic RAIL CART RIDE
82km rail cart journey through 21 of the line's hand-cut tunnels
120km jet boat ride
120km jet boat ride along the Whanganui River - longest commercial jet boat ride in Southern Hemisphere
Guided bush walk
Guided 6km return bush walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere
Expert local guides
Discover the people, places and history that makes the Forgotten World such an extraordinary part of NZ
Overnight stay
Dinner bed and breakfast in the Republic of Whangamōmona
rail-side food and drinks
Morning tea, afternoon tea, home-baking and lunches both days
return shuttle to taumarunui
Shuttles to tour start and end points, Taumarunui
The Expedition
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Add to your experience
Contact our Bookings team or make your own booking online
The Expedition
Itinerary
The Expedition
Duration: 2 days
Check-in: 7am Forgotten World Motel
Safety Briefing: 7.15am (15 mins)
Departs: 7.30am Forgotten World Motel
Returns: 5pm Forgotten World Motel (on day 2)
DAY 1
- Check in at Forgotten World Motel Reception at 7am
- Shuttle bus from Forgotten World Motel at 7.30am to Okahukura Station (10 mins)
- Rail cart to Tokirima with stops at Matiere and Ōhura
- Morning tea at Matiere (20 mins)
- Lunch at Tokirima – opportunity to purchase souvenirs at ‘The Shed’ (30 mins)
- Rail cart to Tāngarākau Gorge via Heao
- Afternoon tea at Tāngarākau Gorge (20 mins)
- Rail cart to Whangamōmona Station arriving approx. 15.30
- Walk or shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Hotel (5 mins)
- Dinner, bed and breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel
WHAT TO BRING
Sturdy footwear (no jandals), sunglasses, sunblock, sun hat, camera, water bottle, snacks, layers/warm clothing (gloves, beanie hat, scarf – we often experience four seasons in one day), waterproof jacket, warm jacket, insect repellent and allergy medications. A waterproof storage container for bags/belongings is available on the rail carts.
Active wear, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for bush walk, waterproof trousers for jet boating optional. Day pack – optional. Belongings can be left on the jet boat while walking.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay the night before or after your experience at the Forgotten World Motel in Taumarunui for your comfort and convenience; all adventures leave from our front door. Cooked and continental breakfasts available (plus GF and DF options) – enquire on check-in.* Centrally located, it’s the ideal base from which to explore the region’s activities and is within easy walking distance of the town’s cafés, restaurants and shops.
*Please note there is an additional charge for breakfast which can be pre-ordered and served in our dining room or your own room for convenience.
Expedition Day 2
Wake up in the Republic, enjoy your breakfast, then start your adventure with a scenic helicopter flight taking in the spectacular views of the Whanganui National Park.
DAY 2
- Breakfast in Dining Room from 8am to 8.30am
- Meet at hotel entrance in time for 9am departure (leave luggage for transfer)
- Walk or shuttle bus to helicopter launch area (5 min walk)
- Helicopter flight to Tangahoe landing (15 mins)
- Meet jet boat and ride 5km upstream to Mangapurua Landing to commence the bush walk (10 mins)
- Guided 3km bush walk to Bridge to Nowhere through Whanganui National Park (40 mins)
- Light refreshments at Bridge to Nowhere (20 mins)
- Return 3km bush walk back to Mangapurua Landing (40 mins)
- Jet boat ride to river-side lunch spot at John Coull Hut (15 mins)
- Lunch (30 mins)
- Jet boat to Nga Huinga – ‘Cherry Grove’ landing via KiriKiriroa, Whakahoro, Kirikau and Te Maire arriving approx. 5pm (2 hrs 45 mins)
- Shuttle bus to Forgotten World Motel (5 mins)
- Return to Forgotten World Motel at 5.15pm
WHAT TO BRING
Sturdy footwear (no jandals), sunglasses, sunblock, sun hat, camera, water bottle, snacks, layers/warm clothing (gloves, beanie hat, scarf – we often experience four seasons in one day), waterproof jacket, warm jacket, insect repellent and allergy medications. A waterproof storage container for bags/belongings is available on the rail carts.
Active wear, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for bush walk, waterproof trousers for jet boating optional. Day pack – optional. Belongings can be left on the jet boat while walking.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay the night before or after your experience at the Forgotten World Motel in Taumarunui for your comfort and convenience; all adventures leave from our front door. Cooked and continental breakfasts available (plus GF and DF options) – enquire on check-in.* Centrally located, it’s the ideal base from which to explore the region’s activities and is within easy walking distance of the town’s cafés, restaurants and shops.
*Please note there is an additional charge for breakfast which can be pre-ordered and served in our dining room or your own room for convenience.
the forgotten world
Certified Trip Advisor Reviews
Our Guests are Saying
This is a must do. 4 day Epic. The staff made this trip a 10 out of 10. The information the local guides provided along the way added to the trip. Who knew there was a flour…
Cantchoose33
An extremely interesting trip which presented the history of the area and the building of the rail line. It would be one of the best organised trips my wife and I have been on. We have been…
Navigator67258419380
I recently did the Epic tour with friends. This was an adventure of two days – Taumarunui to Stratford on rail carts and two days returning to Taumarunui by jet boat on the Whanganui River. Overnight stays…
Trail57225111785
A wonderful trip. We did the “epic” adventure. Staff were professional, competent and friendly. Also very knowledgeable about the region. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.
…Whiteshell
Journey into the heart of wild New Zealand
