Valid for travel up to and including 30th April 2021.
Includes:
- Seven-day car rental with unlimited kilometres
- One-night accommodation at Forgotten World Motel, Taumarunui
- Forgotten World’s 10 Tunnel Tour by Rail Cart
- One-night accommodation at Whangamomona Hotel
- Two-night accommodation at Hosking House, New Plymouth
- Two-nights accommodation at Canopy Glamping Ridge Top Farm
- Daily Hiking Excursions (Day 6-7) Ridge Top Farm
- Breakfast daily
Itinerary:
Day 1: Auckland City – Waitomo – TaumarunuiWaitomo Footwhistle Glowworm Cave: The Footwhistle glowworm cave tour is a one hour tour limited to maximum 12 guests. As you walk through the cave, you will have more one on one time with your guide than other caves tours offered in Waitomo, you will get to see numerous glowworm displays, stalactites, stalagmites, and the bones of New Zealand's largest bird the Moa. Your guide will also show you a magnesium display which used to be used for cave tours before electric lighting. At the end of your tour you will be invited to try a cup of the medicinal native kawakawa tea. Another bonus is that unlike in other caves you can take photos - this is safe for the cave environment as the group numbers per day are limited.
Accommodation at Forgotten World Motel
Day 2: Taumarunui- WhangamomonaIncluded The 10-tunnel tour: Located in the heart of the North Island is one of the most isolated regions in the country which the Forgotten World Highway now passes through. A railway network originally built between 1901 and 1930 spans over 140km and was much used when the area prospered back in the coal mining days. Rather than leave this man-made resource untapped the folk at Forgotten World Adventures wanted to use it to share their much-loved region with others.
On the 10-tunnel tour you’ll set off on an adventure which will take you through parts of rural the North Island to places that time forgot. You’ll also make stops along the way so your guide, in the leading cart, can recount the history of the railway tracks, the coal mines and a former local gaol which is where you’ll have lunch.
On your return journey you'll get to visit Lauren's Lavender Farm. Here you can breathe in the relaxing aromas of the lavender fields next to the Whanganui River and browse the gift shop with all the wonderful lavender products.
Accommodation at The Whangamomona Hotel: One of NZ’s most iconic country hotels situated on the Forgotten World Highway (SH43) between Stratford and Taumarunui. Beautiful rugged countryside, spectacular scenery and rich in pioneering history. The history of the Whangamomona Hotel reflects the colourful and truly unique nature of the Whangamomona community. This is the second hotel built on this site. The first burnt down in 1911 with the kitchen coal range the only thing left standing amongst the ashen remains. The current hotel, built in 1912, was constructed around that same coal range, which has now been relocated to the renovated General Store. The 105 year old hotel has had its rooms extensively upgraded in the last 3 years.
Day 3: Whangamomona - New PlymouthMT TARANAKI, according to a Maori legend, Taranaki brother of Tongariro had to go into exile on the coast after the loss of a battle. Today the Taranaki region, with its main town New Plymouth, is a dynamic place to ski in winter while summer is devoted to hiking, surfing and the many festivals that enliven the city.
Accommodation at Hosking House, New Plymouth
Day 4: New PlymouthDay at leisure to enjoy New Plymouth and surrounds.
Accommodation at Hosking House, New Plymouth
Day 5: New Plymouth – Tapuae – RidgeTop FarmRidge Top Farm – Glamping & Walk
Ridge Top Farm & Walk is a unique opportunity to combine a true North Island 'Kiwi farm' with the tranquillity of glamping. The 1500-acre sheep and beef farm has stunning panoramic views encompassing Kapiti Island, Mt Egmont and Mt Ruapehu - the perfect place to soak up the central North Island scenery. Ridge Top Farm Walk is an experience that everyone will love.
Facilities: Ridge Top Farm is completely off-the-grid, so has no electric power source. Energy for hot water and cooking is supplied via LPG gas bottles. Solar power provides the lighting along with battery powered torches.
Meals: All meals will be prepared from local or homegrown produce, it does include:
Two course evening meals, delivered to the campsite for you to finish off on the BBQ
1 pre-dinner nibble
2 packed lunch
2 continental breakfasts
Day 6: Ridge Top Farm and WalkAfter breakfast, you will be delivered your packed lunch (approx. 10.30am), ready to begin your walk. Instructions will be provided from the campsite – up on the Ridge are spectacular views of Mt Egmont and Mt Ruapehu. Cross creeks, and meander across rolling farmland, to Nolan ‘s Hutt for a respite and lunch. At Nolan's Hutt there are deck chairs and picnic rugs available for you to use so you can relax and enjoy the 360-degree views while having lunch. At approx. 500m you will enjoy 360-degree views of Kapiti Island, Mt Egmont, Mt Ruapehu and the Ruahine Ranges. After lunch continue along the Ridge enjoying the spectacular farmland and mountain views before coming back down onto the road, along the grass airstrip (used for top dressing) and back to the campsite.
Accommodation at Ridge Top Farm
Day 7: Ridge Top Farm - Tapuae - Wellington CityThe second day will take you approx. 1 1/2 hour and we recommend you begin the walk with enough time to complete it and check-out before 12pm. Your packed lunch will be waiting for you back at the campsite to take with you as you make your way home. The walk starts in the South East direction with rolling hills and views of the Ruahine Ranges, Feilding, Palmerston North City and the Manawatu Windmills in the far distance. It then drops back down along the rejuvenating wetland which you will meander along and over before arriving back at the campsite. Once back at the Campsite your packed lunch awaits you
