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Rail-Cart Journey

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  4. 20 Tunnel Rail-Cart Journey Along the Forgotten Highway
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  • Escorted Tour

20 Tunnel Rail-Cart Journey Along the Forgotten Highway

3 day adventure

Adventure at a relaxed pace; explore the hidden valleys of New Zealand’s hinterland by speciallydesigned 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 10 November

Auckland – Taumarunui

Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

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 11 November

Taumarunui – Whangamomona

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

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 12 November

Whangamomona – National Park

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

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 13 November

National Park – Auckland

Breakfast iconBreakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to National Park 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 / Park Hotel Ruapehu  )

• 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 ShareSingle 
   $ 1,537  $ 1,666

*This is a cash or direct debit price. Credit cards will incur a 2% 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 will secure a place on the tour

• Full payment by 23 September 2022

Cancellations

• Deposit is non refundable

• After full payment 23 September 2022 – no refund is available 

 

Covid-19 Tour Disruption

• If this tour is cancelled/postponed due to Covid-19 Government travel restrictions Pukekohe Travel reserves the right, in addition to any supplier imposed amendment and cancellation fees, to charge a service and administrative fee of $300 per person.

• If self-isolation requirements are imposed by the Ministry of Health whilst on tour, Pukekohe Travel accepts no liability for any additional costs incurred.

• Pukekohe Travel will assist in every way possible to ensure any additional travel arrangements required are made with the minimal amount of disruption and in the most cost-effective manner.

• You cannot begin or continue to travel if you have received a positive Covid-19 test in the last 7 days.

Terms and Conditions

• For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or ask our tour consultant for a copy

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 


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

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