The best way to explore the Forgotten World - Departing from Taumarunui or Stratford

Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World Highway is the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. Travel along decommissioned railway lines, through tunnels, over bridges and rivers and to townships that time forgot in a rail-cart, cleverly adapted to self drive along the tracks of the Forgotten World Highway railway.

At 140kms in length, there are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and take in the ever-changing vista; and with our self-drive NZ rail tours, you have the ability to travel at your own pace, and stop when a photo opportunity inspires you.

Tours depart during the summer months of October through to April from two locations,Taumarunui, the heart of the King Country; or Stratford, the heart of Taranaki.

Rail And River Run
1-day: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Enjoy the best of both worlds, exploring the area by rail and river. Travel by rail from Okahukura through 10 tunnels to Tokirima for lunch. Return to Taumarunui by shuttle visiting Lauren's Lavender Farm or experience the thrill of a jet boat ride along the Whanganui River.
Lunch and return transport choice included.

Republic Rail Picnic
1-day: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Leave the gentle plains of Taranaki and enter the Forgotten World. Departing from Douglas, just east of Stratford, the railway winds its way into the hills towards Whangamomona.
Take a picnic or purchase lunch (additional) at the Whangamomona Hotel.

Twenty Tunnel Tour
1-Day: 8.30am - 6.30pm
Experience all that the Forgotten World has to offer with this 1-day tour. From Okahukura to Whangamomona. Travel through the ever changing landscape with a different vista unfolding every time you emerge from a tunnel. The tour runs in reverse from Whangamomona on alternate days.
Lunch and Shuttle included.

The Ultimate
2-Days: 8.30am - 3.00pm
The complete Forgotten World Adventure. Travel the entire 140 kilometres of line from Okahukura to Stratford or from Stratford to Okahukura with an overnight stay (to be booked and paid for separately) in Whangamomona. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this stunning corner of New Zealand.
Lunch included both days.