OUR STORY​

the ultimate adventure tourism experience

We offer guests the unique opportunity to self-drive their own iconic Forgotten World rail cart along the 142km of heritage rail tracks whilst immersed in the truly spectacular, dramatic and ever-changing native New Zealand landscape.

The thrill of this scenic train journey by rail cart is an unrivalled experience in Aotearoa New Zealand!

Read on to find out how it all
came about…

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 great a success such an ambitious gamble would become. 12 years on from its launch in 2012, that attraction, Forgotten World Adventures, now welcomes around 7000 visitors a year and employs over 30 staff in peak season.

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new owners and a new vision...

Current owners, partners 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 sustainable 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! Come join us for an adventure…

Laura & Grant

100 new zealand seal

Grant and Laura at Tokirima

You’ve read about us

now Experience a forgotten world