Limited Spaces Available
Escorted Tour

20 Tunnel Rail-Cart Journey

Along the Forgotten Highway

Adventure at a relaxed pace - explore the hidden valleys of New Zealand’s hinterland by specially designed self-drive rail carts.

Glide along decommissioned heritage railway lines, guided through native bush and open hill country, across bridges, through the 20 historic tunnels and rural settlements that have long-since faded away. Roll on the rails amidst breathtaking landscapes and discover a different vista as you emerge from each new tunnel. The end of the line is the ‘Republic of Whangamomona’ – world famous in New Zealand!

Spend a night in its historic hotel to mix with the locals before travelling back on the Forgotten Highway. Then on to National Park for your final night stay. A great way to experience pure rural New Zealand.

Your travel itinerary

Thursday 27 November

Auckland – Taumarunui

Lunch Dinner

Depart in comfort on the Northern Explorer train for our journey through the central North Island to Taumarunui. Lunch on board. On arrival transfer to our accommodation for one night and later visit New Zealand’s largest Alpaca farm for afternoon tea. A beautiful property to get up close with these friendly and unique animals. Return to Taumarunui for dinner at the Taumarunui RSA.

Friday 28 November

Taumarunui - Whangamomona

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

First breakfast, then embark on our guided rail cart journey along the Forgotten World Railway – cameras at the ready! Meandering along the decommissioned railway lines through these remote and untamed yet serene King Country back blocks. Through 20 tunnels over 82km, you’ll be immersed in the Forgotten World and its colourful history. Arrive late afternoon with time to explore the ‘Republic of Whangamomona’. Your overnight stay in the iconic 100-year-old Whangamomona Hotel (shared facilities) will only add to this memorable journey.

Saturday 29 November

Whangamomona – National Park

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

This morning, trade the Forgotten World Railway for the Forgotten Highway as we coach State Highway 43 back to Taumarunui. Lunch today in the special setting of Lauren’s Lavender Farm adjacent to the Whanganui River. Relax as we coach up onto the Central Plateau to spend our last night at the Park Hotel Ruapehu, where we will dine tonight.

Sunday 30 November

National Park – Auckland

Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to the train station to meet the Northern Explorer, arriving in Auckland early evening.

Inclusions

Northern Explorer train travel Auckland - Taumarunui // National Park - Auckland
All transfers while on tour
Meals as specified
3 nights’ accommodation (Taumarunui / Whangamomona - shared facilities / National Park)
20 Tunnel guided adventure rail tour
Ultimate Alpaca Farm experience
Lavender Farm experience
Pukekohe Travel escort (subject to 12 people travelling)

Cost

Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland	Twin Share	Single
	$1,845	$1,987

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

Domestic travel insurance – ask us for a quote
Water and drink bottle for the 20 Tunnels tour
Items of a personal nature
Items unspecified

Booking Conditions

A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person
Full payment by 26 September 2025

Cancellations

Deposit is non refundable
After full payment 26 September 2025– no refund is available
It is highly recommended that clients take out Travel Insurance – please ask us for a quote

Travel Insurance

We strongly advise all participants to take out suitable travel insurance to cover cancellation costs. Please ask for a quote

Health and Fitness

To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group, a reasonable standard of fitness is required.
Mobility frames, scooters and wheelchairs are not practical or permitted.
We expect you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.

Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change