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Level up with this unique North Island active escape

King Country in New Zealand is a land of picturesque landscapes, perfectly fit for the noble explorer. So, spend five days in the wilds of the Whanganui on an active adventure deep in the country’s North Island. What follows is a journey through handcut tunnels, past overflowing lavender farms, through ancient fern forests and up fertile rivers to the Valley of Abandoned Dreams. Add some thrill-seeking activities, comfortable lodge-style accommodation and a host of outdoor and culinary inclusions, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed tour of north western New Zealand that’s well past the tourist brochure. It may well be the king – or queen – of them all.

Start
Taupo, New Zealand
Finish
New Plymouth, New Zealand
Destination
New Zealand
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PHSF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 4, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Learn of a land dubbed the 'Forgotten Kingdom' on a rail cart experience near Taumaranui, passing through handcut brick tunnels to rolling countryside and fields of lavender.

  • Get your adrenaline pumping with a fast-paced jet boat ride to the Mangapurua Landing, swapping the thrills for curious tales of the Valley of Abandoned Dreams on a guided hike to the Bridge to Nowhere.

  • Canoeing down the Whanganui River without any rush or hurry gives you the power to choose your own pace. You can stop by historic settlements on the way and find the perfect cove for a picnic lunch.

  • Soak up spectacular sights and enjoy total tranquillity during your lodge stay at the Bridge to Nowhere, surrounded by the luxuriant bush that makes this slice of New Zealand so special.

  • The scenery of New Zealand’s North Island begs for more than just a happy snap. Consider your options to hike through forests and waterfalls in your spare time, and get up close and personal with a leader-led walk at Mt Taranaki.

Is this trip right for you?

  • No canoeing experience is needed for the downstream paddle. Our guides will help you to perfect the technique, however you will need a basic level of fitness in order to enjoy the journey.

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Travellers canoeing down river
PHSF - Forgotten World Adventures - Underground Tunnel Rail Cart Tour
PHSF - The Bridge to Nowhere in Whanganui NP
PHSF - Tunnel Rail Cart Tour in Tokirima
View of Whanganui river and mountains
PHSF - Tunnel Rail Cart Tour - Lavender Field
PHSF - Pipiriki - People on canoe adventure
PHSF - Views of Whanganui River
PHSF - View of the Church Jerusalem
PHSF - Forgotten World Adventures - Tunnel Rail Cart Tour

Itinerary
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Kia ora – welcome to Taupo! Nearing the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, the town sits on the banks of Lake Taupo and is a perfect starting point for your adventure. Meet your leader and fellow travel crew at a central location around 10 am this morning – more details will be included in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information. After a quick meeting, head to Pureora Village and Forest Park, learning about the local history and its logging past. With an abundance of ferns and centuries’ old trees here, you’ll feel you’ve escaped to the wilderness already! Join back up to Lake Taupo for a picnic lunch on its banks before heading south with your group to Taumaranui. Set near the junction of the Whanganui and Taringamotu rivers, Taumaranui is your base for tonight, and you’ve got a free evening to enjoy the town at your leisure. Perhaps ask your leader their restaurant recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pureora Village Timber Trail - Hike
Meals Included
  • Lunch

Rise and shine for an early start this morning – you’re off to the Forgotten World Highway Adventure Rail Carts! These tracks take you along 40 kilometres of the Forgotten World Railway, through ten incredible hand built brick tunnels; one of them over 1.5 kilometres in length. Ride through dense native bushlands and past stunning hilly outcrops – you’ll soon realise that this region definitely lives up to its name as King Country. Arrive in Tokirima, where a delicious ploughman’s lunch and home baked goods await your group. After lunch, board a return shuttle, which will take you via the acclaimed Lauren’s Lavender Farm. Awaken the senses walking through the fields of purple, and consider purchasing a memento from the onsite shop. After your Forgotten World tour finishes, you’ll head to Ohakune at the foot of Tongariro National Park. Keep an eye out for the big carrot on the way into town – you won’t miss it! Once arrived, there’s the option to hike to Waitonga Falls if you’re feeling up to it (approximately 1.5 hours total). Otherwise, take the afternoon to rest and relax.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Forgotten World Highway - Rail Carts Tour
  • Forgotten World Highway - Ploughman’s Lunch
  • Forgotten World Highway - Lavender Farm
Optional Activities
  • Ohakune - Waitonga Falls Hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Another early morning calls for some adrenaline pumping action. Travel up the Whanganui River for about an hour on an exhilarating jetboat rapids ride to Mangapurua Landing, passing by pristine forests and deep gorges full of ferns. Your guide will point out the renowned Drop Scene, Dress Circle and other ancient ‘pegs’ – or focal points – of the landscape that helped riverboat crews navigate these waters hundreds of years ago. Once arrived at Mangapurua Landing, disembark the boat and begin a guided walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (approximately 40 minutes each way), your gateway to the so-called ‘Valley of Abandoned Dreams’. You’ll learn all about the history of the valley and the tales that surround this mysterious region and tragic period of New Zealand history. Sit back and soak in your flourishing surroundings with a hot cup of tea or coffee and enjoy your packed lunch. Then it’s time to hop back in the jetboat for a short ride to your lodge for the evening. Surrounded by the luxuriant bush that makes New Zealand so special, you’ll enjoy total tranquillity as you eat dinner and watch the river float by.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whanganui River - Jetboat Ride
  • Mangapurua Landing - Bridge to Nowhere Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Zip up the river in your jet boat this morning, then slow things down for the next part of your journey – a leisurely canoe down the Whanganui River towards Pipiriki (approximately 2 hours). After a safety briefing and some paddling tips, board your 2-person canoe and leave the rest of the world behind you as you float past stunning scenery, stopping off as you wish at points of interest along the way. Your guide will be on hand to share why this river is so significant to the Maori people. Arrive in Pipiriki then continue to Whanganui. Stop off in Putiki and pay a visit to one of the country’s most beautiful churches where you’ll admire its intricate Maori tukutuku (weavings) and learn about its layered history. Settle into your accommodation then set out to explore Whanganui on an orientation walk with your guide. One of New Zealand’s oldest towns, Whanganui is dotted with heritage buildings, natural wonders and artistic touches. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whanganui River - Downsteam Canoe Paddle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your luggage will be safely transferred to Pipirika ahead of you. If you would prefer not to paddle or the conditions do not allow it, you will have another jet boat transfer, in which case there will be some time to wait in Pipiriki.

After breakfast this morning, swing by the popular Kai Iwi Beach to marvel at its soaring cliffs and rugged beauty. Then it’s time to get back on the road with the epic Mt Taranaki in your sights. Watch the peak loom larger in the horizon, and once arrived at its base at Egmont National Park, take a leader-led walk on the slopes with your group. Continue your drive to New Plymouth, where your adventure finishes on arrival. With no activities planned after this, you are free to leave the group, either continuing your own adventure or beginning your homeward journey.
Included Activities
  • Egmont National Park - Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
If you would like to spend more time discovering New Plymouth, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle, Canoe, Jet Boat, Rail Cart

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Lodge (1 night)

Included activities

  • Pureora Village Timber Trail - Hike
  • Forgotten World Highway - Rail Carts Tour
  • Forgotten World Highway - Ploughman’s Lunch
  • Forgotten World Highway - Lavender Farm
  • Whanganui River - Jetboat Ride
  • Mangapurua Landing - Bridge to Nowhere Walk
  • Whanganui River - Downsteam Canoe Paddle
  • Egmont National Park - Walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Forgotten World Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on nights 1 and 2 of this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2.This trip will begin on Day 1 at 10 am at the Taupō hotel.
3. The trip concludes at 5 pm on Day 5.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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