Forgotten World Adventure
Forgotten World Adventure
Forgotten World Adventure
5 Days Starting in Taupo and ending in New Plymouth
Visiting: Taupō, Taumarunui, Ohakune, Whanganui River, Whanganui , Mount Taranaki, New Plymouth
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHSF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium, \
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Taupo – Taumaranui
Location: Taupō, Taumarunui
Accommodation: Motel
Meals Included: Lunch
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 2 : Ohakune
Location: Ohakune
Accommodation: Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3 : Whanganui River
Location: Whanganui River
Accommodation: Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 enjoy your included dinner and watch the river float by.
Included Activities:
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Day 4 : Whanganui
Location: Whanganui
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5 : Mt Taranaki – New Plymouth
Location: Mount Taranaki, New Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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What's Included
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Egmont National Park - Walk
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Forgotten World Highway - Rail Carts Tour
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Forgotten World Highway - Ploughman’s Lunch
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Pureora Village Timber Trail - Hike
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Forgotten World Highway - Lavender Farm
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Whanganui River - Jetboat Ride
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Mangapurua Landing - Bridge to Nowhere Walk
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Whanganui River - Downsteam Canoe Paddle
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Whanganui River - Aerial Cable Car
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle , Canoe , Jet Boat , Rail Cart
Accommodation
- Hotel (3 nights), Lodge (1 night)
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
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Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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