Embark on the Republic 1, a full-day guided rail cart adventure travelling 82km through New Zealand’s Forgotten World. The journey includes 21 hand-cut tunnels, handmade bridges, and scenic townships such as Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, and Heao, with stunning views of Mount Ruapehu on clear days. Morning tea with fresh home baking is served in the dramatic Tangarakau Gorge, adding a memorable stop along the way.
The tour concludes in Whangamomona, a quirky self-proclaimed republic since 1989, known for its colourful history and pioneering spirit. At the iconic Whangamomona Hotel, you’ll discover stories of the local community’s resilience and character, and even get your passport stamped as a memento of your adventure.
HIGLIGHTS
Unique 82 km rail cart journey
Travel between Okahukura and Whangamōmona
Stunning scenery filled with fascinating history
Pristine native bush and open hill countryside
Storytelling at Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Haeo, and Tāngarākau
Travel through 21 of the line's 24 hand-built tunnels, including the longest at 1.5 km
Cross many of the line's impressive man-made bridges
Historical and cultural insights from an expert local guide
Venture through the Tangarakau Gorge
Visit the Whangamomona Republic and the historic hotel
Magnificent views of Mount Ruapehu on a clear day
INCLUSIONS
Unique 82 km rail cart journey
Expert local guide
Stops at Matiere, Ōhura, Tokirima, Haeo, and Tangarakau
Morning and afternoon tea
Home-baked snacks
Rail-side picnic lunch with hot and cold drinks at Tokirima
Shuttle transfers to and from Okahukura
Shuttle transfers to and from Whangamōmona
AGE INFORMATION
Adult: 16 years +
Children: 3-15 years
Infant: 0-2 years (travel free)
CANCELLATION & REFUND
42 days or more before departure: 20% cancellation fee**
7-41 days before departure: 50% refund**
Less than 7 days before departure: Non-refundable.
Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Itinerary
Check in at the Forgotten World Motel 30 minutes before departure and take a shuttle bus to the start of the line at Okahukura. Board your rail cart and begin your journey through the Forgotten World. Enjoy the changing landscape of rolling hills, remote farmland, and pristine native bush. Spot native birds and wildlife close to the tracks.
Along the way, your guide will share historical commentary and stories about the land, its people, and the region's history. Travel over bridges and through hand-built brick tunnels, including the longest tunnel at 1.5 km, and pass through the Tāngarakau Gorge.
Enjoy morning tea at the historic settlement of Matiere, afternoon tea in the stunning Tangarakau Gorge, and a rail-side picnic lunch at Tokirima.
Arrive in Whangamomona at around 3:30 pm. You can take a short walk (or even shorter bus ride) into the township to visit the iconic Whangamomona Hotel and pub. The return shuttle bus departs Whangamomona at 4 pm, bringing you back to the Forgotten World Motel by approximately 5:45 pm.
Full Details
Shuttle bus from Forgotten World Motel to Okahukura Station (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
Free time to explore the Republic of Whangamōmona and hotel (approx. 30 mins)
Return shuttle bus from Whangamōmona Hotel to Taumarunui departing 4pm (1 hr 45 mins)
Return to Forgotten World Motel at 5.45pm
OPTIONAL EXTRAS: Stay at Whangamōmona Hotel after your trip (we offer a next-day shuttle bus transfer to Taumarunui the next morning at 9.30am – duration 1hr 45 mins, additional charge of $25) or request a vehicle shift to have your vehicle waiting for you in Whangamōmona for an additional charge.
(or 7:15 DEPARTURE FROM TAUMARUNUI IF TAKING THE SHUTTLE BUS TO WHANGAMOMONA TO START THE TRIP IN REVERSE)
Check in at the Forgotten World Motel 15 minutes before departure (if taking the shuttle bus to Whangamomona to start the trip) or be ready to leave Whangamomona Hotel at 9 am. Walk or take a short bus ride to the rail carts. Board your rail cart at Whangamomona and start your journey through the Forgotten World. Enjoy the changing landscape of rolling hills, remote farmland, and pristine native bush. Spot native birds and wildlife close to the tracks.
Your guide will provide historical commentary and stories about the land, its people, and the region's history. Travel over bridges and through hand-built tunnels, including the longest tunnel at 1.5 km.
Enjoy morning tea in the beautiful Tangarakau Gorge, afternoon tea at the historic settlement of Matiere, and a rail-side picnic lunch at Tokirima.
Arrive in Okahukura around 5 pm, then take a shuttle bus to the Forgotten World Motel, ending your adventure at approximately 5:15 pm.
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