Explore the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island with the Northern Explorer train and a half-day rail cart tour. Explore the Forgotten World on the way to Auckland.
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
You'll love this break
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.
Inclusions
- One-way travel on the Northern Explorer train to Auckland with a short break in Taumarunui
- Lunch, Morning and afternoon tea onboard the Northern Explorer
- Two nights' accommodation including breakfast and dinner
- Half-day rail cart adventure
- Two local activities
- Hotel transfer
Itinerary
A journey on the Northern Explorer
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.
A Forgotten World
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.
Northern Explorer to Auckland
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before continuing on your own great escape to Auckland.
An epic voyage on the Northern Explorer train
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 LOTR. And the rural scenery of rolling hills, paddocks, and pastures is also reminiscent of the Shire.
An unforgettable travel experience
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 experience to get you immersed in that stunning New Zealand scenery, and you'll be blown away - almost laterally.
Discover more about our travel experience to find out what awaits.