Explore the Forgotten World. Travel to the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island with the Northern Explorer train, take a two-day rail cart tour, with time to add on more adventures.
Highlights
- Encounter dramatic changes in scenery and volcanic peaks on the Northern Explorer train
- Return Northern Explorer journey between Wellington and Taumarunui
- Enjoy morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea onboard
- Stay overnight in the unique Republic of Whangamomona
- Free time to explore more of the King Country
- Travel the entire Forgotten World railway from Okahukura to Stratford
You'll love this break
If you are looking to experience the incredible Northern Explorer train journey from Wellington and explore off the beaten track, then this is the break for you.
Inclusions
- Return travel on the Northern Explorer train
- 3-nights in four-star accommodation in Taumarunui including breakfast
- 1-night accommodation at Whangamomona Hotel including dinner and breakfast
- 2-day rail cart tour, including morning and afternoon teas, lunches and a return shuttle
- All transfers
*Prices and inclusions are indicative and will be confirmed once packages are finalised.
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.
Upon arrival at your destination, enjoy some free time to relax on the stunning grounds of your accommodation before dinner is served.
A Forgotten World
Today you will embark on a fascinating tour of the Forgotten World. Travel through this remote, rugged and sparsely settled New Zealand landscape, travelling over bridges and through tunnels painstakingly constructed by hardy pioneers. Get immersed in the stories of the land, its people and its history.
Enjoy stops along the way for morning and afternoon tea as well as a delightful ploughman’s lunch. Immerse yourself in the changing views of rolling hills, remote farmland and native bush, and experience wildlife close to the tracks.
Arriving in the Republic of Whangamomona, explore the area and its charismatic pub before checking into the Whangamomona hotel where dinner will be served.
Day 3 | The Forgotten World
Today you will embark on a fascinating tour of the Forgotten World. Travel through this remote, rugged and sparsely settled New Zealand landscape, travelling over bridges and through tunnels painstakingly constructed by hardy pioneers. Be immersed in the stories of the land, its people and its history.
Enjoy stops along the way for morning and afternoon tea as well as a delightful ploughman’s lunch. Explore the changing views of rolling hills, remote farmland and native bush, and experience wildlife close to the tracks.
Arriving in the Republic of Whangamomona, explore the area and its charismatic pub before checking into the Whangamomona hotel where dinner will be served.
Relax or Explore
Today you have a free day to relax or explore the King Country.
Taumarunui is perfectly placed to take an adventure along the Whanganui River by canoe or by jet boat and visit the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. If a Great Ride is more your scene, then why not hire e-bikes and ride the southern section of the Timber Trail in the Pureora Forest?
Dinner at your accommodation is included.
Return to Wellington
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation with cooked and continental options available before returning to board the Northern Explorer train home. Afternoon tea will be provided during your journey onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train.
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.