Forgotten World Escape from Auckland to Wellington

Duration: 3 Days

Price: from $1,839

Departure From: Auckland

Departure Date: Monday, Thursday and Saturdays until early 2024

Tour Type: Independent Tour

Meal Plan: Selected Meals

Physical Grading: 3/5

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Enjoy the Forgotten World Escape from Auckland on the way to Wellington.

Explore the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Explorer train and a half-day rail cart tour.

If you are looking to experience the incredible Forgotten World en route to Wellington, then this is the break for you. Travel in style onboard the iconic Northern Explorer and enjoy the scenic delights of New Zealand’s stunning North Island. This package allows you to explore the Forgotten World on a short break before arriving in Wellington.

Forgotten World Escape from Auckland Map

Forgotten World Escape from Auckland Highlights

  • Soar through the green pastures of the Waikato in comfort 
  • Northern Explorer journey between Auckland and Taumarunui then onward to Wellington
  • Indulge in morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea onboard
  • Discover regional New Zealand on a half-day rail cart adventure
  • Explore lavender farms on the banks of the Whanganui River 
Rail Cart Forgotten World Adventures
Rail Cart Adventures

Forgotten World Escape from Auckland – Your Northern Explorer Journey

One of the biggest highlights of your Forgotten World Escape from Auckland will be the journey.

Climbing aboard the Northern Explorer in Auckland or Hamilton, 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 Rail Highlights LOCO Journeys
One of the many viaducts you will cross on your Northern Explorer journey.

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 let us know at the time of booking.

Click here for alternate North Island tours

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

Tour Inclusions

  • One-way travel on the Northern Explorer train to Wellington with a short break in Taumarunui
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon tea onboard the Northern Explorer
  • Two nights’ accommodation including breakfast and dinner
  • Half-day rail cart adventure including lunch
  • Lavender Farm
  • Hotel Transfer

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

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Auckland - Northern Explorer - Taumarunui
From the North, you will travel across the Waikato Plains and through humble towns before reaching your destination onboard the Northern Explorer. Enjoy the delicious morning tea and lunch that will be provided on the train.
Today you will embark on a fascinating tour of the Forgotten World. Begin your special journey on rail carts through this remote, rugged and sparsely settled New Zealand landscape. Travel over 25 bridges and through a series of 10 tunnels, painstakingly constructed by hard-working pioneers. On arrival at Tokirima, you will enjoy a ploughman’s lunch before joining your shuttle to visit Lauren’s Lavender Farm. This family-run business lies in tranquil surroundings on the banks of the Whanganui River, with beautiful lavender fields and a café and gift shop in a converted old farmhouse. Your day will end with a return shuttle to Taumarunui to enjoy an included dinner at your accommodation.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before continuing on your own great escape to Wellington where you can continue your tour at your own arrangements or return to Auckland (cost not included). Please let us know at the time of booking.

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