Forgotten World Adventure from Wellington Return

Duration: 5 Days

Price: from NZ$2,299

Departure From: Wellington

Departure Date: Departs Wellington on Wens, Fri & Sun, October-May

Tour Type: Independent Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 3/5

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Take the ultimate scenic rail journey through New Zealand to the historic location of Taumarunui and enjoy a forgotten world adventure.

On this Forgotten World Adventure you will travel to the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Explorer train, take a two-day rail cart tour, with time to add on more adventures.

Your extended rail-cart tour will deliver you right into the ‘Republic’of Whangamomona, a quirky little back-country town that has a place in New Zealand folklore.

Forgotten World Adventure Highlights

  • Encounter dramatic changes in scenery and volcanic peaks on the Northern Explorer train
  • Return Northern Explorer journey between Wellington and Taumarunui
  • Enjoy morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea onboard
  • Stay overnight in the unique Republic of Whangamomona
  • Free time to explore more of the King Country
  • Travel the entire Forgotten World railway from Okahukura to Stratford 
Whangamomona Hotel LOCO Journeys
The Whangamomona Hotel – home of the republic

Forgotten World Adventure – Your Northern Explorer Journey

One of the biggest highlights of your Taumarunui experience will be the journey.

Climbing aboard the Northern Explorer in Wellington, Paraparaumu or Palmerston North, your break will start in a relaxing style as you ease back in your comfortable seat and enjoy the views through your panoramic window. 

Along the way, you’ll see hobbits and orcs and wizards – well, maybe, on a clear day. But this is Middle Earth, and highlights do include the conical peak of the volcano Ngauruhoe, which is featured as Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings. And the rural scenery of rolling hills, paddocks, and pastures is also reminiscent of the Shire. 

With spacious reclined seats, huge panoramic windows, air conditioning, roomy toilets, and an on board licensed café, your journey through New Zealand couldn’t be more comfortable.  

Add to this our famous open air viewing carriage to get you immersed in that stunning New Zealand scenery, and you’ll be blown away – almost literally.

Discover more about our travel experience to find out what awaits.

Northern Explorer
Join the Northern Explorer on its epic adventure across New Zealand’s North Island

For a detail itinerary, departure days, and Northern Explorer fare conditions, please see below.

Should you wish to add a night or two into your itinerary at any point along the way or add accommodation in Wellington to your Forgotten World Adventure, let us know at the time of booking.

Depending on departure days, this tour is also available as a 4 day 3 night adventure and can also conclude in Auckland. Please let us know your preference when booking.

Click here for alternate North Island tours

*The Forgotten World Adventures season ends mid-May and returns mid-October. 

Tour Inclusions

  • Return travel on the Northern Explorer train
  • 3-nights in four-star accommodation in Taumarunui including breakfast
  • 1-night accommodation at Whangamomona Hotel including dinner and breakfast
  • 2-day rail cart tour, including morning and afternoon teas, lunches and a return shuttle
  • All transfers
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as specified in the itinerary.

Pricing Notes

  • Advertised price based on per person, twin share
  • Non-refundable deposit of 20% per person is due at the time of booking
  • Full non-refundable balance of tour payment date will be advised at the time of booking
  • A single supplement is available or you can choose to match up with another single traveller
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking
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Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Wellington - Northern Explorer Train - Taumaranui (L,D)
Travelling from the South, you’ll see the rugged cliffs of the Kapiti coast before travelling over a series of spectacular viaducts including the famous Hapuawhenua Viaduct. Encounter one of the highlights of the Northern Explorer journey, the historic Raurimu Spiral, an engineering feat. Enjoy the delicious morning tea and lunch that will be provided on the train. Upon arrival at your destination, enjoy some free time to relax on the stunning grounds of your accommodation before dinner is served.
Today you will embark on a fascinating tour of the Forgotten World. Travel through this remote, rugged and sparsely settled New Zealand landscape, travelling over bridges and through tunnels painstakingly constructed by hardy pioneers. Get immersed in the stories of the land, its people and its history. Enjoy stops along the way for morning and afternoon tea as well as a delightful ploughman’s lunch. Immerse yourself in the changing views of rolling hills, remote farmland and native bush, and experience wildlife close to the tracks. Arriving in the Republic of Whangamomona, explore the area and its charismatic pub before checking into the Whangamomona hotel where dinner will be served.
After breakfast, continue on the rail cart journey to Stratford through the ever-changing vistas. Today there will be stops along the way for morning and afternoon tea in remote settlements. After lunch at Douglas Station, continue to Stratford, where Taranaki Maunga dominates the landscape. After a short stop in Stratford, take a shuttle back to Taumarunui where you will return to your accommodation and enjoy dinner.
Today you have a free day to relax or explore the King Country. Taumarunui is perfectly placed to take an adventure along the Whanganui River by canoe or by jet boat and visit the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. If a Great Ride is more your scene, then why not hire e-bikes and ride the southern section of the Timber Trail in the Pureora Forest? Dinner at your accommodation is included.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation with cooked and continental options available before returning to board the Northern Explorer train home. Afternoon tea will be provided during your journey onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.