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 2-day guided rail cart adventure between Taumarunui and Stratford.
Travel along the entire railway; through all 24 hand-cut tunnels, across its 90 plus hand-made 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 Okahukura (near Taumarunui) to Stratford or do the trip in reverse from Stratford to Okahukura.
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Storytelling from expert local guides
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Bridges, Tunnels & more
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Off the beaten track
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Experience New Zealand from a new perspective
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Unwind and Explore
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Lose yourself in our Dramatic Landscapes
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Bums in Beds
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Whangamōmona Hotel
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Mount Taranaki in all its splendour
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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
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The Ultimate
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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) for an additional $75 per person.
Book a vehicle shift and have your vehicle waiting for you in Stratford or Taumarunui, depending on which direction you’ve travelled, for an additional $195 per vehicle.
The Ultimate
Itinerary
Ultimate 1
Taumarunui to Stratford
Duration: 2 days
Check-in: 7am Forgotten World Motel
Welcome Briefing: 7.15am
Returns: 3.30pm Stratford (Day 2)
Day 1
- 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 in Dining Room from 8am to 8.30am
- Leave luggage at hotel Reception and meet FWA team member in Reception at 9am
- Walk or take shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Station (5 mins)
- Rail cart to Te Wera
- Morning tea at Te Wera (20 mins)
- Visit Avonstour Organic Farm, Te Wera (20 mins)
- Rail cart to Douglas
- Lunch at Douglas (30 mins)
- Rail cart to Stratford
- Arrive Stratford at approx. 3.30pm
- NB: Book to return to Forgotten World Motel via shuttle bus or book a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you in Stratford – both for an additional charge. We can also drop you back to Amity Court Motel.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Stay at the Forgotten World Motel the night before and/or after your trip.
Book a return shuttle bus transfer to Taumarunui after your experience (duration 3 hrs) for an additional $75 per person.
Book a vehicle shift and have your vehicle waiting for you in Stratford for an additional $195 per vehicle.
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, 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.
Ultimate 2
Stratford to Taumarunui
Duration: 2 days
Check-in: 10am Amity Court Motel (7am check-in at Forgotten World Motel if taking shuttle bus to Amity Court Motel)
Welcome Briefing: 10.15am
Returns: 5.30pm Forgotten World Motel (Day 2)
Day 1
- Meet at Amity Court Motel Reception at 10am – leave luggage and keys at Reception if having vehicle shifted to Taumarunui)
- Shuttle bus to the start of the line at Stratford
- 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 or 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 meet FWA team member in Reception at 9am
- Walk or shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Station (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
- Return shuttle bus to Forgotten World Motel (10 mins)
- Return to Forgotten World Motel via SH43 at approx. 5.30pm
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Stay at the Forgotten World Motel the night before and/or after your trip.
Book a return shuttle bus transfer to Stratford after your experience (duration 3 hrs) for an additional $75 per person.
Book a vehicle shift and have your vehicle waiting for you in Taumarunui for an additional $195 per vehicle.
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, 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
Awesome Adventure! This is an amazingly stressless trip. Such a well organised 2 days with the time on the carts being restful and surrounded by beautiful scenery. Our guide Ray delivered talks at the stops that were…
Navigate67289367865
Fun, fun fun! Highly recommend. I did “The Ultimate” tour with 3 friends last weekend. FABOULOUS! Very well organised indeed from start to finish. The guides were GREAT, very knowledgeable ,respectful, friendly and helpful. Good humour too.The…
eileenlewisnz
The Ultimate 2 day trip! 5 friends had the most relaxing an informative 2 days riding along the railway line between Stratford and Okahukura in golf carts.We stayed at the Forgotten Highway Motel on Taumaranui on the…
NorthStar60384140018
I would strongly recommend anyone living in New Zealand or visiting it to experience this adventure. A beautiful day trip travelling at a gentle pace, admiring stunning views and absorbing a piece of forgotten history. Travelling through…
FarAway26543383274
Journey into the heart of wild New Zealand
