Forgotten World Adventures

05/10/2023

We’re back for Season 12 of Forgotten World Adventures! 🥳

We’ve spruced up the railcarts, cleared up the slips, re-laid some tracks and now it’s full steam ahead for a spectacular summer ☀

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz

26/09/2023

On this World Tourism Day, we want to say a massive ngā mihi (thank you) to our Forgotten World community.

We are so grateful for your support and aroha (love) – thank you for making us a part of your travel memories!

25/09/2023

As part of our off-season maintenance and repairs, here’s a clip of local company, Tall Timber, cutting sleepers for our bridges.

21/09/2023

It’s International Mini Golf Day 🏌️‍♂️⛳

Putt Bradley's Garden on your list while you’re in the Forgotten World!

The 9-hole country course is complete with real grass fairways, greens, and challenging obstacles. Open daily, it’s tee-rrific fun for the whole whānau, set amongst the 5-star Garden of National Significance.

www.bradleysgarden.co.nz

14/09/2023

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) continues – and today we're sharing the pūrākau (legend) of the mighty maunga we see on our railcart experiences, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Taranaki.

The three volcanoes of the Central North Island were originally four, because Taranaki was there as well. Both Tongariro and Taranaki were in love with the beautiful Pihanga, wife of Ruapehu.

Taranaki dared to make advances to Pihanga and was reproached by Tongariro and a mighty battle ensued between them. The earth shook and the sky became dark as the mountains belched forth their anger.

When the battle ended the lovely Pihanga stood close by Tongariro's side.

Taranaki, wild with grief and jealousy, angrily wrenched his roots from the ground and left the other mountains.

Weeping, he plunged towards the setting sun, gouging out a deep wide trench. When he reached the sea he turned north and stumbled up the coast. As he slept that night the Pouakai Ranges snared and trapped Taranaki in the place he now rests.

The next day a stream of clear water sprang from the side of Tongariro. It flowed down the deep scar Taranaki had left on his journey to the coast to form the Whanganui River, some say it was filled with Taranaki's tears (roimata) of sorrow.

There are those who say that Taranaki is silently brooding and will one day try to return inland again to fight Tongariro.

📍 Mt Ruapehu

Which maunga (mountain) do you whakapapa back to? ⛰

12/09/2023

It’s Māori Language Week – a chance to celebrate one of Aotearoa’s three languages and learn something new!

Did you know, the kupu reo (Māori name) for the Stratford-Okahukura Line is Te ara tereina a whakaahua rāngi?

Translating to "Look beyond the sky", we think it beautifully encompasses the mauri and mīharo of the Forgotten World ❤

How are you celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori?

05/09/2023

Lovely feedback from Theresa! We’re so grateful to receive testimonials like this.

With just over a month to go until our next season, which experience are you eyeing up next? 🛤✨

https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/routes-and-trails/

02/09/2023

Here at Forgotten World Adventures, we're inspired by the Dads, Grandads, Uncles & male role models just like our awesome bus driver Jim; who've shown us that life's greatest treasures are experiences shared with family.

Happy Father’s Day Whānau!

31/08/2023

Father’s Day is this weekend…have you sorted a gift yet? Give the male role models in your life the adventure of a lifetime with a ticket to the Forgotten World.

Choose from any of our rail cart experiences, or a specific $ amount for him to choose his own adventure. Buy online or over the phone and we’ll pop it in the post or send via email.

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/gift-vouchers

29/08/2023

Get set to jet 👉 www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/routes-and-trails/tour/6/rail-river-run

Add 23km of discovery and adventure along the Whanganui awa to your Rail Cart experience and this is really becomes the perfect combination.🚤

22/08/2023

Tunnels aren’t just for trains (and railcarts) 🛤

The old Aukopae road tunnel was constructed in the 1910s and 1920s to cater for the rise in car traffic travelling around Tokirima and Ōhura.

It closed in 1960 when it became apparent modern trucks and vehicles couldn’t fit through the tunnel, and the road was diverted elsewhere.

This quirky snap shows local farmer Murray Craig using the historic tunnel to store hay in the 1980s.

📷: Abundant Past Ltd

18/08/2023

“Along the oxidised rail tracks of the now-defunct Stratford-Okahukura Line, the countryside feels locked in an old-time western. Out here, cellphones are a thing of the future, and the characters have stepped from the pages of a Barry Crump saga. Rough-edged and unapologetically raw, this is frontier-land Aotearoa-style.”

This NZ Life's write-up of the Forgotten World experience is a goodie! Pour a cup of tea and cosy up for a riveting read.

The decommissioned Stratford-Okahukura line covers some of the most isolated country in the North Island making it home to the tunnels, bridges and townships that time forgot. Words & Photos: Jason Burgess Along the oxidised rail tracks of the now-defunct Stratford-Okahukura Line, the crumpled count...

14/08/2023

It’s Conservation Week here in Aotearoa – a fantastic opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the Tiaki Promise, as we play our part to preserve and protect the pristine landscapes we’re privileged to call home 🌍🌿

Sustainability is a core pillar of our operations, as we all work together towards achieving a carbon-friendly travel industry.

Through initiatives like pest trapping, waste minimisation, and a collaboration with East Taranaki Environment Collective, we strive to tread lightly, support local communities, and enhance the natural beauty that surrounds us.

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/about-us/sustainability-the-tiaki-promise/

09/08/2023

📚 Trivia Thursday: Time to test your knowledge of Forgotten World's past 🧐

Beginning in 1901 and constructed by hand using pickaxes, shovels, and dynamite, the Stratford-Okahukura track is infamous for being New Zealand’s most expensive railway.

But how much did the line actually cost to build?

Leave your answer in the comments and stay tuned for the reveal on Monday!

02/08/2023

If you’re looking for a cosy stay in Taumarunui, look no further than the Forgotten World Motel 🛌🛎

Explore the wider Ruapehu rohe from your comfortable unit – with ample free parking on site, great cafés and restaurants down the street, and epic outdoor activities within easy reach.

And the best part? Your Forgotten World Adventure experience leaves from the front door!

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/accommodation/forgotten-world-motel/

31/07/2023

Surreal skies ✨

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/

26/07/2023

Final days to save 💰

The early bird gets the bargain – and if you’re planning your next summer holiday, now’s a great time to lock in your experience with us.

You’ll get first picks on the best tour dates to suit your travel plans, and guarantee yourself the best rate you’ll get this year.

The whistle is about to blow – don’t be late! Get in touch with us via Facebook Messenger, over email, or by calling 0800 7245 2278 today. Offer ends 31st July 💸

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/

18/07/2023

Are you looking for an exciting job opportunity in a positive work environment?

Join our team and experience life in the beautiful and rugged corners of The Forgotten World. Ditch the desk work and discover your happy place outdoors with us.

We are looking for Guides, Safety Conductors, Foodies, Front of House (Customer Advisers), Bus Drivers. Fixed term casual, part-time and full-time work options.

Check out our website for more details:
https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/about-us/careers/

If you see a job you think you'd rock, please submit your CV and a covering letter detailing the role(s) for which you would like to be considered. Be sure to tell us why you believe you'd be a good fit and why you'd be a good addition to our hard-working and committed whanau here at Forgotten World Adventures.

Please send all submissions to [email protected] or drop it in to us.

17/07/2023

We 💙 our regular guests – with many manuhiri having visited two, three or more times!

How many times have you ventured along the railway with us?

13/07/2023

Mānawatia a Matariki ✨🌠

The appearance of the Matariki star cluster in our skies symbolises the Māori New Year. Whether you’re here in Aotearoa or overseas, it’s a time to rest, reflect and renew. Take some time to foster new connections with your home, your family, and your friends – as we gear up for new adventures on the horizon 🌃

📸: Frank Hopfler

10/07/2023

Caption this! 🐏

05/07/2023

🧐

The Stratford-Okahukura railway line was well-serviced by passenger trains travelling between New Plymouth and Auckland. With the rise in car traffic and improvements to the previously rugged and remote road network, what year did scheduled passenger services officially cease?

Leave your answer in the comments and stay tuned for the reveal on Monday!

02/07/2023

For a review that’s just as authentic and honest as the Forgotten World itself, this Financial Times article is well worth a read! 📲

Golf buggies converted to run on rails provide access to a rugged landscape, remote hamlets . . . and an unforgettable pub

27/06/2023

Keen for an unforgettable deal? How about 15% off your next Forgotten World Adventure?

Book a rail cart experience with us before the end of July and enjoy an excellent early bird discount 🐦💸

Simply call, email, or send us an enquiry online to secure your spot 👉 www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/booking-enquiry-all-experiences/

14/06/2023

Heading to Fieldays at Mystery Creek this week? So are we!

Pop on down for a yarn at stall RM27C in the Rural Living Marque – the team would love to help you get inspired for your 2023 and 2024 adventures.

Plus… we have a fantastic giveaway running at the event – one lucky winner will score themselves a Tokirima Taster Experience for two! 👩‍🌾🎉

13/06/2023

Kia ora from our corner of Aotearoa New Zealand! We can’t wait to see you when we re-open in October, for another summer of bucket-list adventures 👋

https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/

08/06/2023

Moody mornings in Whangamōmona ☁🌫

Photo Credit: Julian Apse

06/06/2023

Choo-choo! Our railcart journey through the tunnels is sure to light up your next Ruapehu roadie 🚂💡

Full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises, you never know what you’ll discover around the next corner.

https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz

30/05/2023

Caption this! 🐄🛤

25/05/2023

Did you know that the jetboat was invented right here in Aotearoa? This high-speed watercraft was first developed in the 1950s by New Zealand engineer Sir William Hamilton. Here are a few fun facts about this iconic Kiwi invention:

🚤 The jetboat was invented in response to a unique problem faced by New Zealanders: shallow rivers. Traditional propeller-driven boats were unable to navigate the country's many rivers and streams, which often have rocky bottoms and fast currents.
🚤 Sir William Hamilton's breakthrough came when he realised that a jet of water could be used to propel a boat without the need for a propeller. This allowed the jetboat to skim over shallow water and navigate rapids with ease.
🚤 The early jetboat prototypes were built in 1954, first tested at Bill Hamilton's Irishman Creek Station and on the Pukaki and Ohau rivers near Fairlie in the South Island, with the help of engineer George Davison. The jetboat's first foray in the North Island was up the Whanganui river to Taumarunui.
🚤 The boat was an immediate success, and soon became a popular mode of transportation for farmers, hunters, and adventure-seekers throughout New Zealand.
🚤 Today, jetboats are still widely used in New Zealand for a variety of purposes, from tourism to search and rescue operations.

So the next time you're cruising on our Forgotten World Jet, remember that you're experiencing a Kiwi invention that revolutionised the world of watercraft!

https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/routes-and-trails/?type=3

18/05/2023

Did you know that the Whangamōmona Hotel’s history spans more than a century?

Built in 1911/1912, it was a popular stop for travellers making their way between Stratford and Taumarunui, becoming a popular meeting place for farmers, loggers, and other locals.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the Whangamōmona Hotel became famous for its annual Republic Day celebrations, which were held in protest of local government reforms. The hotel became the de facto capital of the Republic of Whangamōmona, complete with its own president, passport, and flag.

Despite its remote location, the Whangamōmona Hotel has managed to maintain its charm and character over the years. Today, visitors can enjoy a cold beer or a hearty meal at the hotel's historic bar, or stay the night in one of the cosy rooms upstairs 🍺🏨

Photo Credit: Julian Apse

13/05/2023

Happy Mother’s Day!

Here’s to all those incredible mums, grandmas, aunties and motherly figures in our lives who are right there with us, as we discover new places and embark on thrilling adventures 👩‍👧

02/05/2023

A shout-out to shuttle driver Dale Smith – always greeting our manuhiri (guests) with a friendly smile and a tale or two.

📸: Felicity Baillie

27/04/2023

Rush hour on SH43 🐑🐏

You never know what you'll see when driving the Forgotten World Highway.

https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/

23/04/2023

A good cuppa and a great yarn is always on the menu for morning or afternoon tea ☕🙌

17/04/2023

Looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Our railcart journey through the Forgotten World is the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with nature!

No traffic to be seen here, just a green light for adventure 🌿🌄

We’ve got one month left in our 2023 season, time to hit the road and ride the rails: https://forgottenworldadventures.co.nz/

16/04/2023

It’s not just farmland and open plains we journey through, our tours also venture through fern-lined gullies, alongside native trees and underneath historic bridges 🌳🛤

📸: Ian S