The Ultimate
Two Day
TWO DAY
Duration
Perfect for those wishing to travel the entire length of the line and visit the iconic Whangamōmona Hotel in the self-proclaimed Republic
Easy
Difficulty Level
Suitable for everybody, including families with children or elderly members
A remarkable two-day rail cart adventure between Taumarunui and Stratford.
Travel along the entire railway; through all 24 hand-cut tunnels, across its 90 plus hand-built bridges and see remnants of original settlements and once-thriving towns whilst being fully immersed in spectacular scenery, Māori history and stories of the region’s hardy pioneers. Overnight in the self-proclaimed Republic of Whangamōmona, staying at one of New Zealand’s most iconic and remote country hotels.
With two departure options, choose to travel from Taumarunui to Stratford or do the trip in reverse from Stratford to Taumarunui.
Scroll down for more details and to book
your preferred travel dates now
Storytelling from expert local guides
Add Your Heading Text Here
Bridges, Tunnels & more
Add Your Heading Text Here
Off the beaten track
Add Your Heading Text Here
Experience New Zealand from a new perspective
Add Your Heading Text Here
Unwind and Explore
Add Your Heading Text Here
Lose yourself in our Dramatic Landscapes
Add Your Heading Text Here
Bums in Beds
Add Your Heading Text Here
Whangamōmona Hotel
Add Your Heading Text Here
Mount Taranaki in all its splendour
Add Your Heading Text Here
Highlights
Travel the full length of the heritage line – 142km
Venture through all 24 tunnels and over 90 plus bridges
Immersive experience – spectacular scenery, stories and history of the Forgotten World
Pristine native bush, open hill countryside, back-country townships
Guided stops at Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Heao, Tāngarākau Gorge, Te Wera, Douglas and more
Dinner, bed and breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel
Magnificent views of Mount Taranaki on a clear day
The Ultimate
INCLUSIONS
Transfer to start
Shuttle bus to the beginning of the line (Return shuttle on day 2 is not included)
142km RAIL CART Journey
142km rail cart journey - the full length of the SOL line
2 days' full immersion
2 days of full immersion in the scenery, stories and history of the Forgotten World
rail-side food and drinks
Rail-side picnic lunch plus morning & afternoon tea - includes home-baking and snacks
Overnight stay
Overnight accommodation in the Republic of Whangamōmona; includes dinner and breakfast
historical commentary
Immerse yourself in Māori history and storytelling about the early settlers and hardy pioneers
transfer of luggage
We'll transfer your luggage from point A to point B
home-Baking
Famous with locals and visitors alike - try Midge's mumbles and Anzac biscuits
The Ultimate
Book now
Add to your experience
Stay at the Forgotten World Motel the night before and/or after your trip.
Book a return shuttle bus transfer to Stratford or Taumarunui after your experience (duration 3 hrs).
Request a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you at your destination.
The Ultimate
Itinerary
Ultimate 1
Taumarunui to Stratford
Duration: 2 days
Check-in: 7am Forgotten World Motel
Safety Briefing: 7.15am
Returns: 3pm Stratford (on Day 2)
Day 1
- 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
- Walk or take shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Hotel (5 mins)
- Dinner, bed and breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel
Day 2
- Breakfast in Dining Room from 8am to 8.30am
- Leave luggage at hotel Reception and return to your carts for a 9am departure
- Rail cart to Te Wera for morning tea (20 mins)
- Visit Avonstour Organic Farm, Te Wera (30 mins)
- Rail cart to Douglas
- Lunch at Douglas (30 mins)
- Rail cart to Stratford
- Return to Forgotten World Motel via Whangamōmona/ SH43 approx. 3pm
- OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Request a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you in Stratford at the end of Day 2 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. 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.
Ultimate 2
Stratford to Taumarunui
Duration: 2 days
Check-in: 9.15am Amity Court Motel
Safety Briefing: 9.15am
Returns: 5.30pm Forgotten World Motel (Day 2)
Day 1
- Meet at Amity Court Motel at 9.15am (leave luggage, and keys if having vehicle shifted, at Reception)
- Shuttle bus to start of the line at Stratford for 9.30am departure
- Rail cart to Douglas
- Morning tea at Douglas (20 mins)
- Rail cart to Te Wera
- Lunch at Te Wera (30 mins)
- Visit Avonstour Organic Farm, Te Wera (3o mins)
- Rail cart to Whangamōmona arriving approx. 3pm
- Walk across the road to Whangamōmona Hotel
- Dinner, bed and breakfast at Whangamōmona Hotel
Day 2
- Breakfast in Dining Room from 8am to 8.30am
- Leave luggage at hotel Reception and return to your carts for a 9am departure
- 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 approx. 5.30pm
- OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Book a return shuttle bus transfer to Stratford at the end of day 2 or request a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you at the Forgotten World Motel in Taumarunui 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. 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
What an excellent couple of days!! This is a fantastic way to explore some real New Zealand hinterland and get a feel for the land and the various people who have (and some who still do) call…
B1893OJdavep
5-Star experience on the Ultimate package! We had a blast! The commentary during the trip from Lincoln was excellent and the care from the whole team was top notch. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone…
Natasha Berkett
What a unique fabulous trip . A must do on your bucket list. We spent two days, golf carting from Taumarunui to Whangamomona, stayed the night at the pub and then golf carted to Stratford. The scenery,…
Mas123t
We did the Ultimate trip and it was literally the best even though we had a cold southerly wind but the weather was dry. The scenery is fantastic and the rail carts are the best way to…
Jet35954233425
Journey into the heart of wild New Zealand
