For many years we’ve taken tours into the heart of the King Country to experience a day traversing the old rail lines of a part of the country, west of Taumaranui, that’s often referred to as ‘The Forgotten World’. And each time we’ve visited we’ve discovered other hidden gems of this district that we felt also deserved exploration. So, this year, we’ve combined the experience of riding the rails on the converted golf carts through picturesque countryside, as we always have, with an exploration of the upper reaches of the Whanganui River by jet boat, which we haven’t done before.
Day 1: Our adventure begins with a scenic journey north to Taumarunui, stopping along the way to enjoy a delicious catered lakeside lunch in Taupō, before driving around the lake and through National Park (now called Waimarino) before settling in at the cozy Central Park Motel in Taumaranui, our home for the next three nights.
Day 2: This morning, we divide our tour group in half with one starting with the exploration of the countryside in the rail carts travelling through abandoned rail tunnels, past wild backcountry while the other group heads to the river to discover the secrets of this special waterway, by jet boat, and the role it’s played in the life of the region. Then, we come together to enjoy a hearty country lunch before the groups swap activities in the afternoon. This way we’re discovering so much more of this rugged and remote district.
Day 3: Today offers a change of pace with a visit to the charming Nevalea Alpaca Farm where Leonie and Neville Walker have over a thousand of these charming animals, many of which we’ll meet, on their nearly 900 acre property. Our next stop is Paddy’s Hill Farm and the magnificent garden of Melana and Simon Bradley. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the garden before sitting down to a high tea style lunch. Perhaps after lunch there’ll be time to test your putting abilities on their private 9-hole mini golf course. Then it’s off to visit our second ‘Garden Of National Significance’ of the day at Omaka Lodge where owners Christopher and Scott will show us around the garden, surrounding the lodge, with its many garden ‘rooms’. What a day visiting these jewels of the King Country.
Day 4: We journey home via beautiful Lake Maraetai, at Mangakino, and Taupō, bringing with us rich memories of a truly unique and scenic escape.
This is a rare chance to explore one of the overlooked regions of New Zealand in comfort and style – a tour filled with charm, history, and the wonders of nature.
