Guided rail-cart journey from Whangamōmona to OkahukuraShort shuttle from Okahukura to TaumarunuiTravel through 21 hand-built tunnelsHistorical and cultural commentaryMorning tea in Tāngarākau GorgeRail-side picnic lunch at TokirimaAfternoon tea at MatiereHot and cold drinksComplimentary same-day shuttle options when reservedWaterproof storage space for personal belongings

Staying the night at the Whangamomona Hotel before the tour and booking a vehicle transfer so your car is waiting for you in Taumarunui when you return. Let us know if you would like us to book accommodation for you.Driving from Taranaki on the morning of your tour and meeting at the Whangamomona Hotel at 9:00 am for tea, coffee, or juice. Allow enough time to look around Whangamomona—it's worth it! After the tour, stay the night in Taumarunui and book a non-standard shuttle back to Whangamomona the next day. The shuttle departs at 7:30 am.Driving from Taranaki on the morning of your tour and meeting at the Whangamomona Hotel at 9:00 am. Our free same-day shuttle will return you to Whangamomona around 7:00 pm.

Adult: 16 years +Children: 3-15 yearsInfant: 0-2 years (travel free)

Overview Itinerary Departure Dates Book now

The Republic Rail Cart Tour (Whangamomona to Taumarunui)

Oct-May

North Island

Forgotten World Adventures

from

NZ$499

per adult

Book Now

Old railway bridge crossing a river and grassy fields on the Forgotten World Adventures trail.

Experiences

Train & Rail Journeys

History and Māori Culture

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Taumarunui

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 11 hours

A Full-Day Forgotten World Railway Journey

Travel from Whangamomona to Taumarunui on an unforgettable rail cart journey through the Forgotten World. Covering 82km of historic track, you’ll ride through 21 hand-cut tunnels, cross handmade bridges, and enjoy sweeping views of gorges, farmland, and native bush.

Along the way, uncover Māori heritage and the pioneering stories that shaped this remote region. Stop for morning tea in Tangarakau Gorge, visit the quirky Whangamomona Hotel, and experience the landscapes and communities that make this adventure truly unique.

Map of the Republic Rail Cart Journey between Taumarunui and Whangamomona

Front view of the historic Whangamōmona Hotel on a sunny day in the Republic of Whangamōmona.

Silhouetted rail cart travelling through a dark tunnel with light at the far end on the Forgotten World Adventures tour.

Local guide interacting with sheep on a farm visit as part of the Forgotten World Adventures experience.

Rail cart travelling through a narrow bush-lined cutting surrounded by dense greenery in remote New Zealand.

Rail cart exiting a tunnel surrounded by dense native ferns and bush on the Forgotten World Adventures route.

Rail cart on Forgotten World Adventures track through green valley

Rail cart travelling along an overgrown track beside a weathered shed on the Forgotten World Adventures journey.

Rail cart crossing a small bridge in soft morning light on the Forgotten World Adventures rail trail.

Highlights

Travel 82 kilometres along a seldom-used heritage railway
Pass through 21 tunnels carved by hand
Ride through the remote Tāngarākau Gorge
Hear stories about Māori heritage and railway communities
Visit settlements including Heao, Tokirima, Ōhura and Matiere
See native bush, farmland, bridges and deep-cut valleys
Enjoy morning tea, a picnic lunch and home baking
Choose from several transport and accommodation arrangemen

Guided rail-cart journey from Whangamōmona to Okahukura
Short shuttle from Okahukura to Taumarunui
Travel through 21 hand-built tunnels
Historical and cultural commentary
Morning tea in Tāngarākau Gorge
Rail-side picnic lunch at Tokirima
Afternoon tea at Matiere
Hot and cold drinks
Complimentary same-day shuttle options when reserved
Waterproof storage space for personal belongings

Staying the night at the Whangamomona Hotel before the tour and booking a vehicle transfer so your car is waiting for you in Taumarunui when you return. Let us know if you would like us to book accommodation for you.
Driving from Taranaki on the morning of your tour and meeting at the Whangamomona Hotel at 9:00 am for tea, coffee, or juice. Allow enough time to look around Whangamomona—it's worth it! After the tour, stay the night in Taumarunui and book a non-standard shuttle back to Whangamomona the next day. The shuttle departs at 7:30 am.
Driving from Taranaki on the morning of your tour and meeting at the Whangamomona Hotel at 9:00 am. Our free same-day shuttle will return you to Whangamomona around 7:00 pm.

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 3-15 years
Infant: 0-2 years (travel free)

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: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.