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Full Day 20 Tunnel Rail Cart Experience
Discover the Forgotten World scenic railway line on this full day tour travelling through 20 tunnels and lush country farms and native bushland.
What to expect
Travel back in time on this full day rail cart experience travelling through 20 tunnels on this forgotten world scenic railway line. This self driven rail cart tour will take you through rolling hills, country farms and native bushland. Be amazed as you emerge from each tunnel into different scenery.
The 20 Tunnel full day experience can be taken in two directions. You can travel from Okahukura to Whangamomona from the Taumarunui Depot in the morning. From here passengers will pass through small villages including Matiere and Ohura before arriving at Tokirima for a lunch break. Along the way you will travel through 20 tunnels with the longest tunnel on the tour at 1.5 km long.
After lunch, continue onto Tangarakau Gorge and Whangamomona to end the rail cart experience. A shuttle is provided to return passengers back to Taumarunui Depot. This full day tour can also be taken in reverse with a shuttle bus to transfer you from the Taumarunui deport to Whangamomona to commence the rail cart experience.
Transfers, morning tea, lunch and afternoon are included in the full day experience. Book online today to reserve your spot on this experience!
What's included
- 20 Tunnel Rail Cart 10 Hour Tour Departing from Taumarunui
- Choose to start your trip from Okahukura or Whangamomona
- Rail Cart is inclusive
- Enjoy lunch with a variety of breads, ham, salads and dressings
- Morning and afternoon teas - home baking slice or biscuit, fruit with a hot or cold drink
- Complimentary transfers from Taumarunui accommodation
- 20 tunnel experience where you will be transported back through history
- Enjoy a 80km trip where stories and tales are woven into this unique landscape
- Discover a different vista unfolding every time you emerge from a tunnel
Visit date
Select the date you'd like to visit to check ticket availability.
Options
- Depart Taumarunui Depot at 7.30am and arrive in Whangamomona approx at 3:30pm
- The shuttle will deliver you back to Taumarunui Depot at approx 5:45pm
- Board the carts at Okahukura and enjoy the rural landscape of the King Country before plunging into the longest tunnel on the line
- Pass through Matiere and Ohura before arriving at Tokirima where you will enjoy lunch and create your own sandwich with a variety of breads, ham (off the bone) lettuce, tomato and cheese slices
- The afternoon takes you through the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge and on to Whangamomona
- Take a wander around the Republic before boarding our shuttle to travel by road back to Taumarunui
- Meet at Taumarunui Depot at 7.15am where shuttle buses depart for Whangamomona
- The Rail Carts depart Whangamomona 9.30am and arrive in Taumarunui approx 5.30pm
- Either join Taumarunui and enjoy an informative bus ride down to Whangamomona, or meet at the Whangamomona Hotel
- Enjoy lunch and create your own sandwich with a variety of breads, ham (off the bone) lettuce, tomato and cheese slices
- The longest tunnel of 1.5 km is saving the best for last! If you joined at Whangamomona you can shuttle back to Whangamomona at the end of your day
Time
- Option 1 from Okahukura to Whangamomona - Depart Taumarunui Depot at 7.30am and arrive in Whangamomona approx at 3:30pm and the shuttle will deliver you back to Taumarunui Depot at approx 5:45pm
- Option 2 from Whangamomona to Okahukura - Meet at Taumarunui Depot at 7.15am and the Rail Carts depart Whangamomona at 9.30am and return to Taumarunui approx 5.30pm
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time
- Driving distance from Ruapehu to Taumarunui is approx 1 hour, Taupo to Taumarunui is approx 1.5 hrs and Rotorua to Taumarunui is approx 2 hours via the State Highway
Duration
- 10 hours
Hotel Pickup
- Prior to completing your purchase, enter your hotel name in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
- If you have not yet booked a hotel, enter the words 'hotel not known' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
- If you do not require a hotel pick up and will be meeting the tour at the tour departure point, enter the words 'not required' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your tour. Tour departure point is listed above and on your confirmation tour voucher
What To Bring
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Water and extra snacks if required
- Warm thermal/merino clothing, including hat, scarf and gloves
- Sturdy footwear (no jandals) with warm socks
- Warm windproof jacket with hood
- Layered clothing with a good wind/rain jacket
- 100% Rainproof coat and over-trousers if rain is predicted
