The Republic (Whangamomona to Taumarunui)

Oct-May

North Island

Forgotten World Adventures

from

NZ$480

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

Adventure Tours

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Taumarunui

Duration: 1 day

Travel Time: 11 hours

Details

Discover Forgotten World and the Republic by Rail Cart

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.

Options available for this tour include:

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.

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.

*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

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.

Full Details

Check in at Whangamōmona Hotel at 9am – wait for guide and shuttle bus to Whangamōmona Station or walk in time for 9.30am departure (5 mins)
Rail cart to Tokirima with stops at Tāngarākau Gorge and Heao
Morning tea at Tāngarākau Gorge (20 mins)
Lunch at Tokirima – opportunity to purchase souvenirs at ‘The Shed’ (30 mins)
Rail cart to Matiere via Ōhura
Afternoon tea at Matiere (20 mins)
Rail cart to Okahukura Station
Return shuttle bus to Forgotten World Motel (10 mins)
Return to Forgotten World Motel at 5.30pm
OPTIONAL EXTRA: Stay at Forgotten World Motel the night before your trip and take our complimentary same day shuttle bus to Whangamōmona at 7am for the 9.30am departure.