The Republic
Full Day
FULL-DAY
Duration
Perfect for anybody seeking a full day’s experience in the Forgotten World
Easy
Difficulty Level
An ideal experience for everybody, including families with children or elderly members
Our iconic full-day guided rail cart adventure between Taumarunui and the unique self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona
Journey 82km along the line through breathtaking scenery and 21 hand-cut tunnels including the longest at 1.5km. Traverse impressive hand-made bridges and pass through the back-country townships of Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Heao and Tāngarākau before pulling into the Republic. Visit the Whangamōmona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s most remote country hotels and the embodiment of the community’s rich and quirky history. Discover Māori history and learn about the hardy pioneers who helped shape this remarkable region.
With two departure options choose to travel from Taumarunui to Whangamōmona or do the trip in reverse from Whangamōmona to Taumarunui.
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The Republic of Whangamōmona
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Tangarakau Gorge
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Beyond the beaten track
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A true escape
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Journey into the heart of wild New Zealand
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Historical Commentary
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Travel through native bush
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Highlights
Unique 82km rail cart journey through the Forgotten World
Jaw-dropping scenery steeped in fascinating history
Pristine native bush and open hill countryside
Guided stops at numerous settlements including Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Heao and Tāngarākau Gorge
Go through 21 of the line’s hand-cut tunnels and traverse many of its 90 plus hand-made bridges
Venture through the line’s longest tunnel at 1.5km
Visit the Whangamōmona Republic and historic hotel
Magnificent views of Mount Ruapehu, on a clear day
The Republic
INCLUSIONS
shuttles and transfers
We offer complimentary same day shuttles to/from Whangamōmona
Unique 82km rail cart journey
Travel through 21 of the line's 24 hand-built tunnels including the longest at 1.5km
expert local guide
Māori history plus cultural commentary from expert local guide
jaw dropping scenery
Venture through the Tangarakau Gorge and see magnificent views of Mount Ruapehu on a clear day
interesting stop offs
Visit the Whangamōmona Republic and the iconic historic hotel
historical commentary
Storytelling at Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Heao and Tāngarākau
rail-side picnic lunch
Rail-side picnic lunch with hot and cold beverages at Tokirima
home-BAKING
Famous with locals and visitors alike - you must try Midge's mumbles and Anzac biscuits
The Republic
Book now
Add to your experience
Stay at the Whangamōmona Hotel after your trip (we offer a next-day shuttle bus transfer to Taumarunui the following morning at 9.30am – duration 1hr 45 mins, additional charge of $25).
Request a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you in Whangamōmona for an additional charge.
Book your stay at the Forgotten World Motel before and/ or after your tour.
Contact our Bookings team for more information.
The Republic
Itinerary
REPUBLIC 1
7:30am Departure
Taumarunui to Whangamōmona
Duration: Full-Day
Check-in: 7am Forgotten World Motel
Safety Briefing: 7.15am (15 mins)
Returns: 5.45pm Forgotten World Motel
- Shuttle bus from Forgotten World Motel 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. 3.30pm
- Free time to explore the Republic of Whangamōmona and hotel (approx. 30 mins)
- Return shuttle bus from Whangamōmona Hotel to Taumarunui departing 4pm (1 hr 45 mins)
- Return to Forgotten World Motel at 5.45pm
- OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Stay at Whangamōmona Hotel after your trip (we offer a next-day shuttle bus transfer to Taumarunui the next morning at 9.30am – duration 1hr 45 mins, additional charge of $25) or request a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you in Whangamōmona for an additional charge.
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.
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.
REPUBLIC 2
9:30am Departure
Whangamōmona to Taumarunui
Duration: Full-Day
Check-in: 9am Whangamōmona Hotel
Returns: 5.30pm Forgotten World Motel
- Check in at Whangamōmona Hotel at 9am – wait for guide and shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Station or walk in time for 9.30am departure (5 mins)
- Rail cart to Tokirima with stops at Tāngarākau Gorge and Heao
- Morning tea at Tāngarākau Gorge (20 mins)
- Lunch at Tokirima – opportunity to purchase souvenirs at ‘The Shed’ (30 mins)
- Rail cart to Matiere via Ōhura
- Afternoon tea at Matiere (20 mins)
- Rail cart to Okahukura Station
- Return shuttle bus to Forgotten World Motel (10 mins)
- Return to Forgotten World Motel at 5.30pm
- OPTIONAL EXTRA: Stay at Forgotten World Motel the night before your trip and take our complimentary same day shuttle bus to Whangamōmona at 7am for the 9.30am departure.
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.
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 one of the real gems of Aoteroa. The history of colonisation, farming, forestry, the railways is all covered in this journey. The management of the tours is excellent, the guides were first class, the care…
367john
Our family took my mum on this trip for her 80th birthday. This had always been on her bucket list. We did the republic tour. What an amazing day out and we were so looked after. Lots…
Maria
What an amazing experience. Emerging from the fog of a fresh April morning in Taumarunui into the clear sky along the scenic route along the 82kms of track through farmland or native bush. Beautiful scenery, excellent commentaries,…
Elizabeth W
We did the full day trip to Whangamomona and bus return to Taumaranui. We have nothing but full praise for all the staff team from the Forgotten World Motel staff to the team to look after us…
Bruce Owen
Journey into the heard of wild New Zealand
