Carla Dukeson took the time to get lost in the Forgotten World – the quiet place history left behind in the Central North Island.
When farmer Ian Balme told people he was going to start a travel attraction in central North Island, running golf carts on the unused railway line between Stratford and Taumarunui, they scoffed! Now years later, that travel attraction – Forgotten World Adventures – now includes tours by rail cart, jet boat and helicopter attracting over 9000 visitors a year!
Whilst sitting with my 84 year old father over the Christmas break, we chatted about some of the adventures he had experienced over his years using his caravan. He mentioned a tour of a rail line named the Forgotten World tour and I was instantly intrigued. I asked him if he would do it again, and he said “most definitely”! With that in mind, we started planning a week we were all free in late Feb, early March and I couldn’t wait!
The time came around pretty quickly, we made our way to Taumaranui via Lake Taupo in our Riviera 66 XT, our motorhome that is! We had made a booking with Forgotten World Adventures. There are so many tours to choose from, in fact 7 in total – from half day rail tours right through to 4 day/3 night tours – being boaties there was no hesitation for us to jump at the tour that included the thrilling jet boat ride up the Whanganui River. Our tour was called the Rail River Run – a blend of nostalgia and excitement!
One of the tours includes a stop at the famous Whangamomona Hotel. We had been there the day before so didn’t choose this tour but I would highly recommend a visit. The hotel is the heart and soul of Whangamomona – this area was first settled in the 1880’s and the original hotel was built in 1903.
Stepping back in time was most intriguing and we couldn’t go past without enjoying a burger and a beer whilst soaking up all the memorabilia on the walls and shelves of the pub.
Leaving our seafaring life and world behind for a week in Auckland – we still managed to find some nautical fun, so back to our chosen tour!
We met at the headquarters in town where we were greeted by friendly staff and the smell of home baking (which we were to enjoy later in the day). The staff were very informative in explaining what we would be doing for the duration of the day which only added more excitement.
We were driven down to a meeting point by Krystle in a shuttle bus to the river where our chariot awaited us, a big green water machine, The Ongaruhe which is a 2016 Jetseeker, with a Hamilton jet unit powered by a Kodiak marine 6.2 L86 V8 capable of speeds 50-55kph fully laden upstream and empty approx 80-85kph.
Ross, a long-time local, was our entertaining and informative driver for the day. We were driven by boat approx 23 kilometres down the river stopping frequently to hear some of the incredible stories of boats built in the early 1900’s which had drifted down the very river we were travelling today!
He showed us pictures of the early settlers and had a few yarns and theories of his own on the history of the place – extremely informative! Towards the end of the river trip, Ross couldn’t help himself and gave us a few 360 degree spins just to get the heart rates pumping before we disembarked and headed by bus again to the next part of the adventure, the rail line.
A rail side picnic lunch was just being set up as we arrived plus a much welcomed toilet stop. Fresh bread, ham, cheese, salad and condiments were served along with juice, coffee and tea and some of that delicious home baking we had smelt earlier – no alcohol as we ourselves, were about to take control of our next mode of transport. It was so peaceful and surreal being out in this part of the country especially, being my first time. A short time later, we were introduced to Erika, Tommo and Ray who would be our guides for the second part of our journey. They too, had many stories to tell of the early pioneers, as we would hear along the abandoned rail line at our designated stops – such passionate guides, whose mission was to make our day as enjoyable as they could, and they did!
This part of our journey was the most intriguing – travelling along an abandoned railway through tunnels in deep hidden valleys, to townships that time forgot – all self-driven! Breathtaking scenery and incredible animal and birdlife was enjoyed by us all as we made our way along the track. This part of the journey was approx 40 km and took us through 20 bridges and 10 tunnels, including Tunnel 24, a highlight, being the longest at 1.5 km towards the end. This tunnel was built by hand and took 8 years to complete – a very humbling experience, I can’t lie, I was quite relieved to be out the other side – cold, dark and underground is not one of my favourite places to be!
All in all it was an amazing unforgettable experience and one I am glad I have done. I would definitely add it to your bucket list!
Another perspective!
“My wife and I might have 162 years between us but as we skimmed across the beautiful Whanganui River rapids in the jet boat, powered by a 6.2 litre V8 motor doing 360 spins along the way we were as pumped up and as exhilarated as our younger passengers on board. After 1.5 hours of thrills and informative narrative by our super skilled skipper we were picked up and escorted to a very tasty “outback” style lunch”
Neville Vucich (Carla’s Dad)
