Forgotten World Escape from Wellington to Auckland

Duration: 3 Days

Price: from NZ$1,839

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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Explore the rural heart of New Zealand’s North Island with the Northern Explorer train and enjoy the Forgotten World Escape on the way to Auckland.

If you are looking to experience the incredible Forgotten World en route to Auckland, 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 Auckland.

Forgotten World Escape from Wellington Highlights

  • Northern Explorer journey from Wellington to Taumarunui then onward to Auckland
  • Encounter dramatic changes in scenery and engineering marvels on the Northern Explorer train
  • 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 
Lavender Farm Taumarunui
Lauren’s Lavender Farm

Please note The Forgotten World Escape season ends May 14th 2023 and returns mid-October 2023


Forgotten World Escape – 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.

Mount Tongariro
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 Auckland 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 Auckland
  • Lunch, Morning and afternoon tea onboard the Northern Explorer
  • Two nights’ accommodation in Taumarunui including breakfast and dinner
  • Half-day rail cart adventure including lunch
  • Lavender Farm
  • Hotel transfer
  • 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

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Wellington - Northern Explorer Train - Taumarunui (L)
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.
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 arriving in Auckland Strand Station at the end of the day.

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