Rail Trail

Experience the golden age of rail with Great North Tours through two distinct and unforgettable rail cart adventures in the heart of the North Island. In Rotorua, climb aboard a self-drive RailCruiser to glide along the historic Mamaku line, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Rotorua and the lush countryside from the comfort of a weather-protected, four-seat vehicle. For those seeking a deeper wilderness escape, journey to Taumarunui for the world-renowned Forgotten World Adventures. Here, you’ll pilot a modified rail cart along the decommissioned Stratford-Okahukura Line, traversing hand-cut tunnels, crossing soaring bridges, and passing through "ghost towns" that time forgot. Whether it’s a gentle cruise through Rotorua’s volcanic hills or an epic multi-day expedition into the remote King Country, these rail trails offer a nostalgic and breathtaking way to discover New Zealand’s pioneering history and hidden landscapes.