Loading tour details
Loading tour details
Things to do in New Zealand
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey is a tour or activity in New Zealand, about 2 hours long. It costs about CAD $68 per person. TripRadr is a neutral Canadian vacation comparison site; you book this activity on Viator, and TripRadr may earn a commission.
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.
Ngongotaha RailCruising Station is located 10 minutes drive north of Rotorua
Check the meeting time and place on Viator when you book. They can differ by option and date.
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.
10 min
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.
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
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.
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.
20 min
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Rules can differ by option and date. The policy shown on Viator when you book is the one that applies.
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey costs about CAD $68 per person. The price depends on the date, the option you choose and the number of travellers. Prices on TripRadr are in CAD and approximate, converted from Viator's price. The final price is shown on Viator before you book.
It takes about 2 hours. The exact start and finish times depend on the option and the date you choose. Viator shows the times when you pick a date.
This activity includes 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.. Anything that is not listed is not included. The full list is on the Viator page.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Rules can differ by option and date. Read the policy on Viator before you book.
Viator lists the meeting point as: Ngongotaha RailCruising Station is located 10 minutes drive north of Rotorua. The activity ends at the same place. The meeting time and place can differ by option and date. Check them on Viator before you book.
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey has child pricing for ages 3 to 6. Adult pricing applies from age 16. The operator sets the age bands and any age limits. Check them on Viator before you book.
TripRadr does not take bookings. Select Book on Viator to open this activity on Viator, where you choose your date and option and pay. TripRadr may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Read our travel guide for the best time to go, the airports Canadians fly into and the Government of Canada travel advice.
fromCAD $68per person (approx.)
Book on Viator