The Epic
Four Day
FOUR-DAY
Duration
moderate
Difficulty Level
Full immersion, best for adults only
An unforgettable 4-day guided adventure with full immersion in the region's dramatic landscapes.
Explore the entire railway – travel the 142km length of the heritage line. Stay at the iconic Whangamōmona Hotel in the self-proclaimed Republic, enjoy a second overnight in Whanganui and the third at the award-winning Blue Duck Station, an outdoor enthusiast’s playground on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers surrounded by the Whanganui National Park. Travel along the historic Whanganui River Road to Pipiriki, journey back up the majestic Whanganui River on the longest commercial jet boat ride in the Southern Hemisphere, enjoy a guided return bush walk to the Bridge to Nowhere and conclude with lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm.
A fully immersive adventure brimming with jaw-dropping scenery at every turn of the rail, road and river, with memorable storytelling throughout the Forgotten World region from our expert local guides.
All accommodation and specified meals are included.
Please note that a reasonable level of fitness is required to complete the approximate 6km bush walk. Although this is a well-formed track, it can be slippery at times so please wear appropriate footwear.
Scroll down for more details and to book
your preferred travel dates now
Blue Duck Station
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lauren’s Lavender Farm
Add Your Heading Text Here
Capture unique images
Add Your Heading Text Here
Bums in Beds
Add Your Heading Text Here
Whangamōmona Hotel
Add Your Heading Text Here
Explore dramatic landscapes
Add Your Heading Text Here
Off the beaten track
Add Your Heading Text Here
Escape your world
Add Your Heading Text Here
Enjoy historical storytelling
Add Your Heading Text Here
Bridge to Nowhere
Add Your Heading Text Here
Venture Through the Awa’s Deep Gorges
Add Your Heading Text Here
Explore the Forgotten World by Water
Add Your Heading Text Here
Surrounded by nature
Add Your Heading Text Here
Immerse Yourself in Dreamy Landscapes
Add Your Heading Text Here
Explore Tunnels & Bridges
Add Your Heading Text Here
Explore the Forgotten World
Add Your Heading Text Here
Stunning Scenary
Add Your Heading Text Here
Highlights
Fully immersive adventure in the Forgotten World
142km 2-day rail cart journey; travel the full length of the line
120km jet boat ride along the Whanganui River; longest commercial jet boat ride in the Southern Hemisphere
Guided 6km bush walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere
Visit Matahiwi Gallery & Café & Lauren’s Lavender Farm
Travel the historic Whanganui River Road to Pipiriki
3 nights’ accommodation – Whangamōmona Hotel, Aotea Motor Lodge, Whanganui & Blue Duck Station, Whakahoro
Venture through all 24 hand-cut tunnels and over 90 plus hand-built bridges
The Epic
INCLUSIONS
3 nights in
3 locations
Three nights' accommodation: Whangamōmona Hotel (DB&B), Whanganui (B&B) and Blue Duck Station (DB&B)
142km rail cart journey
Explore the full heritage line with its 24 hand-cut tunnels and over 90 bridges
Jet boating days 3 & 4
Jet boat a total of 120km along the majestic Whanganui River
6km guided bush walk
Enjoy a return bush walk to the Bridge to Nowhere for another history lesson and lunch on the bridge
Shuttle bus transfers
To and from the rails and everything in-between
Expert Local Guides
4 days bursting with Māori history, the story of the line, the awa (river) and the pioneers who made it all possible
kiwi meals & home-baking
Specified meals included across your four day adventure
Lauren's Lavender Farm
Conclude your adventure with lunch at the aromatic farm with its tempting gift shop
Want to download and print this trips summary?
The Epic
Book now
Add to your experience
Contact our Bookings team or make your own booking online.
The Epic
Itinerary
THE EPIC
Duration: 4 days
Check-in: 7am Forgotten World Motel
Welcome Briefing: 7.15am
Returns: 2pm Forgotten World Motel (Day 4)
DAY 1
- Meet at Forgotten World Motel Reception at 7am for check-in and welcome briefing
- Shuttle bus from Forgotten World Motel to Okahukura (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. 3.30pm
- Walk or take shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Hotel (5 mins)
- Dinner, bed and breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel
DAY 2
- Breakfast at in Dining Room from 8am to 8.30am
- Leave luggage at hotel Reception and meet FWA team member in Reception at 9am
- Walk or shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Station (5 mins)
- Rail cart to Te Wera
- Morning tea at Te Wera (15 mins)
- Rail cart to Avonstour Organic Farm, Te Wera
- Visit Avonstour Organic Farm (20 mins)
- Rail cart to Douglas
- Lunch at Douglas (30 mins)
- Rail cart to Stratford arriving approx. 2.30pm
- Guided transfer to Aotea Motor Lodge, Whanganui (90 mins)
- Arrive Aotea Motor Lodge approx. 4/4.15pm
- Dinner – your own arrangements; see your guide for recommendations
DAY 3
- Breakfast at Aotea Motor Lodge (in room)
- Meet at hotel Reception at 7.15am with luggage
- Travel by road to Matahiwi Gallery & Café along the Whanganui River Road
- Morning tea at Matahiwi Gallery (20 mins)
- Visit Kaimanawa Flour Mill (20 min return walk)
- Stop at Jerusalem for short tour (15/20 mins)
- Arrive Pipiriki
- Depart on jet boat approx. 11am
- Jet boat 5km upstream to Mangapurua Landing to commence bush walk
- Guided 3km bush walk to the Bridge to Nowhere through the Whanganui National Park (40 mins)
- Bridge to Nowhere – storytelling session and lunch on the bridge with a local guide
- Return 3km bush walk back to Mangapurua Landing (40 mins)
- Jet boat to Blue Duck Station, Whakahoro, arriving approx. 3.30pm (2 hrs)
- Dinner and accommodation at Blue Duck Station
DAY 4
- Breakfast at Blue Duck Café at 9am
- 10am transfer on ATV side by side to meet jet boat
- Historical and cultural storytelling during jet boat ride
- Jet boat to Lauren’s Lavender Farm
- Arrive Lavender Farm approx. 12.30pm
- Lunch at Lavender Farm (30 mins)
- Shuttle bus to Forgotten World Motel (15 mins)
- Return Forgotten World Motel approx. 2pm
- Luggage will be ready for collection from Forgotten World Motel Reception
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.
For days 3 & 4: 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, DF, vegan and vegetarian 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
Journey into the heart of wild New Zealand
