New season opens Saturday 12th October! Call now to book: 0800 7245 2278 (+64 7895 7181 from overseas)
New season opens Saturday 12th October! Call now to book: 0800 7245 2278 (+64 7895 7181 from overseas)
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Our iconic full-day rail cart adventure to the unique republic of Whangamomona.
Journey 82km along the line through breathtaking scenery and 20 hand-built tunnels. Traverse impressive bridges and pass through forgotten townships before pulling into the self-proclaimed Republic. Visit the Whangamomona Hotel, one of New Zealand's most historic hotels and the embodiment of the community's rich and quirky history.
DEPARTS: 7.30AM FROM TAUMARUNUI, DIRECTION CAN BE REVERSED (ie. you can depart from Whangamomona and do the trip in reverse to Taumarunui). 9AM DEPARTURE FROM WHANGAMOMONA IF DOING TRIP IN REVERSE.
DURATION: 8 hours
Scroll down for more details and to book your preferred travel dates now!
Venture through the Tangarakau Gorge
Visit the Whangamomona Republic and the historic hotel
Unique 82km rail cart journey
Expert local guide
Morning and afternoon tea
Rail-side picnic lunch with hot/cold beverages at Tokirima
7.30 DEPARTURE FROM TAUMARUNUI (THE REPUBLIC 1)
Check in at the Forgotten World Motel 30 minutes before departure and take a shuttle bus to the start of the line at Okahukura. Here you’ll board your rail cart and set off on your journey through the Forgotten World. Immerse yourself in the ever-changing landscape of rolling hills, remote farmland and pristine native bush. Enjoy spotting native birds and wildlife close to the tracks.
You'll stop along the way for historical commentary and to listen to stories from your guide about the land, its people and the history of the region. Travel over bridges and through hand-built brick tunnels, including the line's longest tunnel at 1.5km, and journey through the Tāngarakau Gorge.
Indulge in morning tea at the historic settlement of Matiere and afternoon tea in the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge, plus a rail-side picnic lunch at Tokirima.
You'll pull into Whangamomona at approximately 3.30pm where you'll have the opportunity to stroll into the township (5 minute walk or even shorter bus ride) and visit the iconic Whangamomona Hotel and pub. A return shuttle bus will depart Whangamomona at 4pm to return you to the Forgotten World Motel, where you'll arrive at approximately 5.45pm.
9.00 DEPARTURE FROM WHANGAMOMONA (THE REPUBLIC 2) (or 7.15 DEPARTURE FROM TAUMARUNUI IF TAKING THE SHUTTLE BUS TO WHANGAMOMONA IN ORDER TO START THE TRIP IN REVERSE)
Either check in at the Forgotten World Motel 15 minutes before departure (if taking the shuttle bus to Whangamomona for the start of the trip) or be ready to depart Whangamomona Hotel at 9am to walk/be bussed to the carts. You'll board your rail cart at Whangamomona and set off on your journey through the Forgotten World. Immerse yourself in the ever-changing landscape of rolling hills, remote farmland and pristine native bush. Enjoy spotting native bird and wildlife close to the tracks.
You'll stop along the way for historical commentary and to listen to stories from your guide about the land, its people and the history of the region. Travel over bridges and through hand-built tunnels, including the line's longest tunnel at 1.5km.
Indulge in morning tea at the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge and afternoon tea at the historic settlement of Matiere, plus a rail-side picnic lunch at Tokirima.
You'll pull into Okahukura around 5pm where you'll then take a shuttle bus to the Forgotten World Motel, the end of your adventure, where you'll arrive at approximately 5.15pm.
This tour runs Okahukura to Whangamomona and Whangamomona to Okahukura on alternate tours.
"The literal light at the end of the tunnel"
This was a brilliant day trip, great scenery, interesting and knowledgeable guides. Highly recommend this goes onto a bucket list and gets ticked off. It was loads of fun and to see the literal light at the end of the tunnel was awesome. (5-star review, Trip Advisor Jan 2024)
"Unique memorable experience"
My 89 year old mother and I had an enjoyable and memorably day with Forgotten World Adventures at Easter on the Republic from Okahukura to Whangamomona. We were blessed with good weather, but were well prepared for the cold in the tunnels thanks to the good pre departure advice. The FWA staff were all very knowledgeable, professional and ensured we had a great time, learned all about the history of the area and stayed safe. The food FWA provided was both delicious and generous. I particularly enjoyed the lunch with build your own sandwiches with very very fresh bread and a wide range of fillings. We had our car transferred to Whangamomona where we stayed overnight at the Hotel in the extremely comfortable new motel style units. I highly recommend this to friends and family. You won't be disappointed. (5-star review, 2023)
"Enjoyed the scenery & history"
We did the Republic tour, from Taumarunui to Whangamomona. Would highly recommend it. An early start in the morning mist created great scenery then the sun came out with blue skies for the rest of our trip. The guides ere excellent with good local knowledve and stories of the history of the remote countryside. Tasty morning, afternoon tea and lunch all provided in rustic railside settings. (5-star review, 2023)
