Itinerary

• The Ultimate Day 1

  Check in at the Forgotten World Motel 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 changing views of rolling hills, remote farmland and native bush, and experience wildlife close to the tracks.

  Stop along the way to hear stories from your guide of the land, its people and history. Travel over bridges and through hand-built brick tunnels, including the lines longest tunnel at 1.5km, and journey through the Tangarakau Gorge.

  Enjoy morning and afternoon tea stops at historic settlements of Matiere and Tangarakau, and a rail-side picnic lunch at Tokirima.  

   Arrive in the Republic of Whangamomona, explore the area and its charismatic pub. Get booked into your accommodation and enjoy dinner bed and breakfast in this iconic New Zealand town.

   

• The Ultimate Day 2

  Depart Whangamomona and continue your journey to Stratford. Discover ever-changing vistas as you learn about the history of the area and the stories of the settlers. See redwood plantations, pine forest and deer farms and get up close and personal with local wildlife in sheep and beef country. 

  Stop for morning tea and home baking at TeWera Station siding, and visit an organic farm with the opportunity to sample and buy locally made produce.

  Enjoy lunch at Douglas Station, then continue your journey and marvel at the spectacular Mt Taranaki dominating the skyline. Travel on the largest bridge over the Patea River, and discover Taranaki dairy farmland. Arrive at Victoria Road in Stratford about 3pm ready for your onward travel or take the same day return shuttle to Taumarunui (additional cost)

   This tour also operates in reverse (Stratford to Whangamomona to Taumarunui)

   

• Latest TripAdvisor Reviews!

  "Ultimate Railcart Two Day Trip - Brilliant!" - Jan 2022                                                                                                                                                                      
  Did the two-day Ultimate rail cart adventure with FWA. It was brilliant. They were so helpful right from the start of enquiring, adding in extra people to our booking, explaining all the options, and it was great having gift vouchers available so I could tell my family what I wanted them to contribute to for my birthday. Checked in to the FWA motel on the Friday night - good rooms and helpful advice on where to eat. Handy for 7am check in the next morning - in the same building. Then off on the rail carts which self steer (driver starts and stops them, and controls the speed) along the otherwise disused railway line to Stratford. Plenty of stops for informative commentary, access to toilets, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and to stretch your legs and take photos, meet some locals and buy produce. Also easy to take photos from the carts. Great range of countryside to see - total of 24 tunnels to go through, bridges to cross but nothing too scary! The stay at the famous Whangamomona Hotel was excellent - great staff and service, lovely sitting out in the garden, excellent dinner, very comfortable room, and we had great fun playing the mini golf course across the road. Next day onto Stratford and then the FWA bus back to our cars in Taumarunui along the Forgotten Highway. The other option was to have them bring one of our cars through but getting the bus back gave us a really good contrast to the rail line and meant we could all look around. All four of us thought this was an excellent experience. We were lucky with the weather but if it is a bit wet or windy, the screens on the carts can be pulled down to shelter you. Guides on the trip were superb and the whole experience was very easy, even for those who might have mobility issues. Highly recommend this. Companion 787289, TripAdvisor Jan 2022                                                                               

  "Completely & Utterly Outstanding" - Jan 2022

  Absolutely everything was our favourite thing to do. We spent two days in heaven and for every minute of that time I couldn't think of anything I would rather be doing. If I had to choose highlights it would be the staff - warm, humorous, relaxed attitude and unbelievably competent and solicitous, the carts - comfortable and well designed to allow maximum views, the scenery - unspoiled NZ countryside. We all absolutely loved it and will definitely do it again. One of the best things we have ever done. Margaret Priest, TripAdvisor, Jan 2022