Before leaving Aus Allthego stumbled over an article in a travel mag about the Forgotten World of NZ’s North Island and the Forgotten World Highway.

The highway runs for about 148 kms from Taumarunui 125 km north east of Taupo to Stratford. Stratford is to the south east near Mt Taranaki and New Plymouth. More about this road later.

The important thing is that there is a disused railway line that more or less traverses the same route, though on far more gentle inclines. It was originally built in stages over a thirty year period (1902-33) to service the timber and coal industry. With the demise of these industries, the use of natural gas and the improvement in road transport the line was closed in 2009. The small towns along the line had shrunk and people moved away. The region became known as the Forgotten World.

Some chap thought it would be a great idea to reopen the line as a tourist attraction. Negotiations with government allowed this to happen and the line reopened in 2012. Not with trains and carriages but with rail carts, oversized golf buggies. There are various experiences on the line, including trips all the way to Stratford staying overnight in accommodation beside the line .

But we are doing what is called ‘The Taster’. An afternoon on the northern end of the line covering 42 kms. From Taumarunui we bussed to Tokirima, our starting point at one of the stops on the line. Had lunch here after which we hopped into one of the Rail Carts and prepared for the journey.

The end point was Okahukura from where we were bussed back to Taumarunui.

There were 8 in our party plus the guide who drives the first cart in the convoy. Homealone is driving the second cart with Allthego a willing passenger. Behind us is the third cart, with four Israelis aboard. Bringing up the rear is cart four with two Swiss aboard.

We kept about 50 metres between each cart. The carts are speed limited to 20 kmh, but we rarely exceeded 10-15 kmh. The steering wheel is for effect only, we just follow the rails!

What an experience! Some amazing country passed through and we learnt a little about the old days and life beside the line from our guide.

Towards the end we entered a long 1.5km tunnel. We stopped in the middle and turned our lights off, complete darkness, very eerie and chilly. About 70 m underground at this point.

All the work on the line was by pick and shovel, even the tunnels. Material was removed by horse and cart.

Great day out on the rails.