Unique 40 km rail cart journeyLocal expert guideStops at the historic villages of Matiere and ŌhuraRail-side picnic lunch with hot and cold drinksHome-baked snacksVisit Lauren's Lavender FarmShuttle from Forgotten World Motel to the rail cartReturn shuttle from the rail cart toForgotten World Motel

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

Overview Itinerary Departure Dates Book now

Tokirima Taster Rail Cart Tour

Oct-May

North Island

Forgotten World Adventures

from

NZ$385

per adult

Book Now

Rail cart exiting a dark tunnel into sunlit hills on the Forgotten World Adventures rail trail.

Experiences

Train & Rail Journeys

History and Māori Culture

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Taumarunui

Duration: 5.5 hours

Tokirima Taster Rail Cart Tour

Set off on a half-day journey through the Forgotten World on the Tokirima Taster Rail Cart Tour, travelling 42km of historic railway between Taumarunui and Tokirima. Along the way, you’ll pass through 10 hand-cut tunnels, including the line’s longest at 1.5km, and cross bridges built by early pioneers. The guided commentary reveals fascinating Māori history and the incredible engineering achievements that shaped the region.

Scenic landscapes of rolling hill country farms and native bush make this rail adventure as picturesque as it is informative. You’ll also stop at historic settlements like Matiere and Ōhura, giving you a glimpse into the area’s rural heritage. The experience concludes with refreshments and a stroll at Lauren’s Lavender Farm, adding a fragrant and relaxing finish to your day.

Map of Tokirima Taster Rail Cart Tour between Taumarunui and Tokirima

Golden sunlight over remote railway tracks in New Zealand’s Forgotten World Adventures Epic trip.

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

A rail cart approaches a tunnel cutting through steep, grassy hills on the Forgotten World Adventures route.

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

Travellers in a Forgotten World Adventures rail cart with Mount Ruapehu in the background on a clear day.

Rail cart travelling through dense native forest and remote valleys on the Forgotten World Adventures route.

Highlights

Unique 40 km rail cart journey through the Forgotten World
Travel between Tokirima and Okahukura
Stunning landscapes
Historical and cultural insights from an expert local guide
Pass through the line’s longest tunnel at 1.5 km and other impressive hand-built brick tunnels
Visit Lauren's Lavender Farm

Unique 40 km rail cart journey
Local expert guide
Stops at the historic villages of Matiere and Ōhura
Rail-side picnic lunch with hot and cold drinks
Home-baked snacks
Visit Lauren's Lavender Farm
Shuttle from Forgotten World Motel to the rail cart
Return shuttle from the rail cart to
Forgotten World Motel

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

14 days or more before departure: 20% cancellation fee**
2-13 days before departure: 50% refund**
Less than 48 hours 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.

Itinerary

Departure 7:30am

After checking in at the Forgotten World Motel in Taumarunui 30 minutes before departure, we will shuttle you to your rail cart at Okahukura, just ten minutes away. Set off on a 40 km journey along the Forgotten World railway. Travel through 10 tunnels, including the longest one at 1.5 km, and marvel at the impressive hand-built brick tunnels. Enjoy cruising through stunning hill country farms and native bush at a leisurely pace.

A quaint rail-side picnic lunch and our delicious home-baked treats will be waiting for you at Tokirima, after which you will board the return shuttle. On your way back, you’ll have the chance to visit Lauren's Lavender Farm in its beautiful countryside setting. Here, you can enjoy the relaxing lavender aromas by the Whanganui River and browse the gift shop's wonderful lavender products. You can also purchase hot and cold drinks, warm scones, muffins, and more. Then, board the shuttle to return to the Forgotten World Motel, arriving at approximately 1pm.

Departure 11:00am

After checking in at the Forgotten World Motel in Taumarunui 30 minutes before departure, we will shuttle you to Lauren's Lavender Farm in its beautiful countryside setting. Here, you can enjoy the relaxing lavender aromas by the Whanganui River and browse the gift shop's wonderful lavender products. You can also purchase hot and cold drinks, warm scones, muffins, and more. Then, board the shuttle again and continue your journey into the Forgotten World.

A quaint rail-side picnic lunch and our delicious home-baked treats will be waiting for you at Tokirima, after which you will board your rail cart. Set off on a 40 km journey along the Forgotten World railway. Travel through 10 tunnels, including the longest one at 1.5 km, and marvel at the impressive hand-built brick tunnels. Enjoy cruising through stunning hill country farms and native bush at a leisurely pace on your way back to Okahukura, ten minutes from Taumarunui. The shuttle will then return you to the Forgotten World Motel, arriving at approximately 4.30pm.