Ultimate self-drive rail car journey Discount Tickets

4.3
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 94 reviews |

Get your discount tickets for the Ultimate self-drive rail car journey, save up to 12% !

Overview

Ride in your own self-drive RailCruiser through Rotorua’s hidden forest — a gentle adventure on a historic railway line brought back to life.” Travel along scenic railway tracks offering a unique perspective of Rotorua’s breathtaking landscapes, 1000 year old virgin native forests, rolling farmland and views over Lake Rotorua. With space for up to four passengers, these petrol-electric rail cars provide comfortable seating and clear views through waterproof sides, allowing you to savor the sights as you cruise at a leisurely 20km/h. Listen to the audio tour and delve into the rich history of New Zealand’s railways while enjoying stunning views of Lake Rotorua and Mount Tarawera. This innovative experience is perfect for families and adventurers alike, making it a must-do when in Rotorua.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Ngongotaha RailCruising Station is located 10 minutes drive north of Rotorua

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

Itinerary

1. Rotorua RailCruising
The Rotorua Railcruising Station is your starting point for your journey up the rails. After a short safety briefing your guide will settle you into your rail car and set you up the track. On the way you will see rolling farmlands, 1000 year old native forests, views over Lake Rotorua.
Duration: 10 mins
2. State Highway 5
Passing through the site of the now gone Tarukenga Station, you can see to your side Toi te Whenua, a 5.5 m high aluminium sculpture positioned alongside the road to greet travelers as they enter Rotorua from the Waikato side.
3. Tarukenga Marae Road
A little further on, on the right hand side of the track is the Tarukenga Marae. This Marae is a Te Arawa marae located just outside Rotorua, and closely tied to Ngāti Te Ngākau and Ngāti Tura hapū of the Te Ure o Uenukukōpako iwi. Its wharenui (meeting house) is named Te Ngākau, and it serves as a cultural, spiritual, and community hub for the local people
4. Dansey Road Scenic Reserve
Ohokeriki or Dansey Road Scenic Reserve is a 468-hectare native forest west of Ngongotahā, Rotorua, known for its ancient rimu and tawa trees, rich biodiversity, and conservation efforts. The railway drives through this native forest that is 1000s of years old.
5. Mamaku
Mamaku Railcruising Station stands on the site of the original Mamaku Rail station and is your turn around point, or end of your journey. Here you will disembark and able to go inside the beautiful log cabin for a hot drink. You can watch a video on the history of Railcruising, or browse through historical and local information. Bathroom facilities are also available here.
Duration: 20 mins

Inclusion

Audio Guide

Water

Blankets are available for the duration of the trip. Please bring warm clothes as weather can cool.

Tea and coffee

Your own railcar/s for your trip. Each car takes up to 4 people.

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pet friendly

Baby changing Station at Mamaku Station

Supplied by Rotorua Rail Cruising

Reviews

4.3

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 94 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
63
4 stars
17
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 stars
8

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