New Plymouth - Forgotten World

22-26 May 2023

Experience this remote and mysterious journey, as we wind our way over saddles, through gorges, tunnels and dense forest. The “republic” of Whangamomona, the hand-hewn Moki tunnel, and the remarkable Tangarakau Gorge are highlights on this scenic route th

Experience this remote and mysterious journey, as we wind our way over saddles, through gorges, tunnels and dense forest. The “republic” of Whangamomona, the hand-hewn Moki tunnel, and the remarkable Tangarakau Gorge are highlights on this scenic route that follows an old heritage trail. Discover remote coastal areas in Northern Taranaki, and take a drive up mighty Mount Taranaki.

Day 1

Monday 22 May - Travels to Taranaki

We meet at a favourite café in Palmerston North this morning, with transfers from surrounding areas. Morning tea gives us a chance to mix and mingle to catch up with friends and welcome new ones. Lunch today (included) is at Tairoa Lodge in Hawera. An historic home surrounded by sweeping lawns, towering kauri and Pohutukawa, Tairoa Lodge has featured in NZ House and Garden magazine, and is a regular in the Taranaki Garden Festival. This afternoon we take the scenic route to New Plymouth via the scenic Surf Coast Highway. Settling into our accommodation, we’ll enjoy inhouse dining this evening.

Day 2

Tuesday 23 May - The Forgotten World Highway

Today we travel the historic Forgotten World Highway, experiencing this remote and mysterious route, as we wind our way over saddles, through gorges, tunnels and dense forest. We enjoy lunch today (included) at the historic Whangamomona Hotel, New Zealand’s most remote country pub. There will be a chance to wander this tiny village that famously declared itself an independent republic back in 1988. From Whangamomona we travel over the Tahora Saddle, a spectacular vantage point for unsurpassed views of the central North Island mountains and surrounding valleys and hill country. Passing through the hand-hewn Moki Tunnel, we’ll wind down into the Tangarakau Gorge where we stop to take in the ambience of the final resting place of Joshua Morgan, a surveyor whose gravesite is a memorial to those who endured the hardships faced while paving the way for road and rail through this difficult terrain.

We then pick up the Whanganui River, following it upstream towards Taumaranui, before making our way to Waitomo Village, our destination today. We settle into our comfortable chalets, dining out this evening at a well recommended restaurant in the village.

Day 3

Wednesday 24 May - Northern Taranaki Coastal Exploring

This morning we travel out towards the coast on another route less travelled, stopping to visit a stunning attraction near Waitomo, the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. The track follows a boardwalk through an impressive limestone gorge, taking you underneath a magnificent 17m high limestone arch which spans the Mangapohue Stream and is all that remains of an ancient cave system. Continuing out to Marakopa Beach, we will stop here for a morning cuppa, before travelling through rural countryside to Awakino. We enjoy fresh fish and chips for lunch (included), at the Awakino Pub today, located near the mouth of the Awakino River. After lunch we are back on SH3, travelling south through the coastal settlements of Mokau and Tongaporutu where we stop at the Three Sisters Lookout, for another great coastal snapshot. Finally we find ourselves back in New Plymouth, where we return to our familiar hotel, dining in this evening.

Day 4

Thursday 25 May - The Mighty Maunga

Sitting at centre stage and acting as a point of reference on our travels around the region, is Mount Egmont/Taranaki, and today we head up to North Egmont to the historic Camphouse. NZ’s oldest building within a national park, the Camphouse was originally used as military barracks in the Taranaki Wars of the 1860’s. There are several easy walking opportunities here, a visitor centre with interpretive information, and we’ll enjoy a cuppa up here in the fresh mountain air. Lunch today (included) is at Bach on Breakwater Café, a popular local spot near the coastal walkway.

This afternoon we visit New Plymouth’s museum - Puke Ariki - where you’ll discover Taranaki’s heritage and natural history through interactive exhibitions. You will have a chance to see the amazing architecture of the Len Lye Centre, with its shimmering stainless-steel exterior, and for those who would like - the opportunity to view the gallery (at own cost). We’ll take a drive out towards the port and Paritutu Rock for great views over the Sugar Loaf islands and Tapuae Marine Reserve. Returning to our hotel, there may be time to take a walk on the popular coastal walkway, or just relax and put your feet up, before we enjoy relaxed dining in the hotel restaurant again this evening.

Day 5

Friday 26 May - Travelling Home

We are homeward bound today, with a stop for morning tea at Lake Rotokare near Eltham. There will be time to enjoy a walk along the lakeshore boardwalk, or wander deeper into the forest to discover the great swamp forest giants (kahikatea and pukatea). Lunch today is at Whanganui (own cost and leisure). We arrive back in Palmerston North in time to meet connecting services for those travellers continuing to Wellington, Hutt Valley, Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa and other surrounding areas.

The cost of the tour includes

  • Accommodation
  • 2 course or buffet dinners
  • All Breakfasts
  • Morning teas on most travelling days
  • All coach travel
  • Tairoa Lodge – lunch and garden entry
  • Whangamomona Hotel – lunch
  • Awakino Hotel – lunch
  • Bach on Breakwater Café – lunch

Departure Detail

Before you book a tour with Tranzit Tours, please take the time to read and understand these Terms and Conditions below.


Pricing Validity
All costs associated with each tour are outlined in full within each tour itinerary. All pricing quoted is valid for the dates of tour when booked.
Reservations and Payments
Bookings for all Tranzit tours can be made through any Tranzit Coachlines Reservations Centre or an approved Travel Agent. Any person making a booking for others shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all individuals they are booking on a tour and it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to bring these Terms and conditions to the attention of those individuals booked.
A deposit as stated in the Tour Itinerary is payable to secure the booking.
The balance must be paid in full by the date stated in the Tour Itinerary.
Any reservation made within fourteen (14) days of the tour departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Cancellations, Postponements and Alterations
Cancellations by the Customer
 Cancellations 45+ days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of your deposit, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.Cancellations 44 – 8 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 15% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.
Cancellations within 7 days before tour departure date – a cancellation fee valued at 25% of the total tour cost, plus any other fees charged by other providers such as accommodation, ferry, activities etc.No refunds will be made for cancellations made within one day of departure or once travel has commenced. Refunds will not be provided for unused portions of a tour, unless the Customer can provide genuine reason and documentary evidence that services were unable to be utilised (and a refund if applicable is available from the other provider) in which case the company will review each request and may provide a partial refund at the sole discretion of the company.
Cancellations of one half of a twin share booking will result in the Customer cancelling being charged the cost of a single booking, if the Company is unable to match the twin share booking with another Customer.
Alterations by the Customer
The Customer may transfer their booking to another person for the same tour and commencement date, but only if the other person satisfies all of Tranzit Tours requirements in relation to the tour and provides us a completed Booking Form. The Customer must notify Tranzit Tours in writing of the intended transfer at least 30 days prior to the commencement date of the tour. A $60 transfer fee per person/per transfer will apply (in addition to any supplier change fees).
Cancellations or Postponements by the Company
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or postpone a tour. With the exception of the Force Majeure section below, Tranzit Tours will:In the event of a tour being cancelled by the company prior to departure and not postponed – refund the total amount paid in respect of that tour or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a tour being postponed – rebook the Customer for the new departure date or provide a credit, but will have no further liability to the Customer.
In the event of a Force Majeure event that occurs prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised, Tranzit Tours reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or shorten the tour and will be excused and released from its obligations without liability of any kind. Customers will receive a credit for postponed tours. For cancelled or shortened tours, refunds in these circumstances will be in full less any unrecoverable costs (i.e. expenses already incurred or fees charged by other providers).
The Customer will be advised of any increased tour costs as a result of the postponement. Credits will be equal to the value of the payment made and must be used within 12 months. Customers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance.
In the event of cancellation or postponement by the company, Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any consequential loss incurred by the Customer. Customers are again advised to take out travel insurance.
Alterations by the Company
Before Tour Commencement: If a major change to the tour needs to be made before departure, we will inform the Customer of the change as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.Tranzit Tours reserves the right to alter a tour (including the itinerary) and substitute accommodation facilities should unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, the company reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control.  Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour.  Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour.  The company will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the tour provider’s discretion.
Tranzit Tours will inform the customer as soon as practicable and will advise of any consequential price increase or decrease.
Insurance
Tranzit Tours recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover against things like lost or damaged luggage, accident or sickness, loss or theft of personal belongings and documents, or the need to cancel or shorten your tour.  Please note that special conditions will apply for pre-existing medical conditions with all travel insurance policies.
Health and Fitness
Tranzit Tours are generally able to accommodate most fitness abilities; however, some tours may require a certain level of physical fitness for full enjoyment of tour activities. The Customer must inform Tranzit Tours, at the time of booking, of any health or fitness restrictions that may limit participation of tour activities or put the Customer, tour staff or other customers at risk. The Customer acknowledges that their suitability for a tour, or any activity within a tour, is wholly the Customer’s responsibility.
Payment of a deposit by the Customer to secure a Tranzit Tour acts as a warranty that:
o   the Customer is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in the tour, and
o   the Customer does not have a health, physical condition or disability that would create risk to themselves, tour staff or other customers, and
o   the Customer indemnifies Tranzit Tours from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any want of health or fitness.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to decline a booking on medical, health or fitness grounds at its sole discretion.
Tranzit Tours reserves the right to remove a Customer from a tour, or quarantine a Customer on tour, if their health and/or fitness interferes with the tour or staff safety or other Customers safety or tour experience in any way. Any additional costs associated with a Customer’s removal from tour or placement into quarantine, shall be borne by the Customer. Refunds will be made in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. 
Authority on Tour
Tranzit Tours are operated by staff with decision making authority while on tour. By travelling with Tranzit Tours, you agree to accept the authority of the driver/guide and their decisions are final in all matters likely to affect the wellbeing, safety or experience of any customer or staff member on board. Failure to adhere to reasonable requests or any inappropriate behaviour that is degrading the experience of other customers, may result in the Customer being removed from the tour. If a Customer is asked to leave a tour, any costs associated with returning home will be borne by the Customer and any unused portion of the tour will not be refunded.
Responsibilities
Tranzit Tours include goods and services provided by other operators such as hotels, attractions and transportation companies. Customers are advised to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions on which these services are supplied. Accordingly, Tranzit Tours will not be responsible and will be excluded from liability for any loss, damage, omission or acts being negligent or otherwise, committed by other goods and service providers used in connection with the tour.
Tranzit Tours is not liable for any loss, damage, delay, or injury caused to the traveller or their baggage whilst under the care or control of a third-party provider. A Customer’s baggage and personal effects shall be carried at the owner’s risk as provided for under the Carriage of Goods Act.
Tranzit Tours is not responsible for any losses or additional expenses to the Customer due to tours impacted by Force Majeure events that occur prior to, or during, a tour such as but not limited to fire, flood, volcanic eruption, earthquake, avalanche, severe weather, power outages, labour disruptions, pandemic, government controls or other events outside Tranzit Tours control that interrupts the ability to operate the tour in full or in part, or if Tranzit Tours determines that the quality of the tour or the health and safety of the Customer would be compromised.
Acceptance of Risk
The Customer acknowledges that all Tranzit Tours may be subject to risks and dangers beyond that which might be experienced by the Customer at home. Except as provided in law, the Customer acknowledges that they assume all risk and Tranzit Tours is not liable for misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during the tour.
Seat Rotation
For the enjoyment of all travellers Tranzit Tours operates a seat rotation system which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking.
Photographs
Photographs used to market any Tranzit Tour depict typical scenes experienced, but the subject matter may not necessarily be seen or experienced whilst visiting a destination within a tour.
Whilst on tour, the Customer may be included in photographs and/or film taken by the guide or driver. These photographs may be used for future promotional advertising purposes and by booking on a Tranzit Tour the Customer authorises the use of any images they are captured in to be used without further consent or any payment of any kind. If the Customer does not authorise the use of their image for promotional purposes, they must make this known at the time of booking.
Privacy Policy
Any personal information that Tranzit Tours collects about the Customer may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a tour or to send the Customer marketing material in relation to Tranzit Tour products. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable Tranzit Tours to operate the tour. Tranzit Tours will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available on our website).
Applicable Law
The laws of New Zealand govern these Terms and Conditions to the fullest extent allowable.

The door to door transfers on the Tranzit Travel Club tours are such a bonus. Being picked up at my door and dropped back after our travels made things so easy! - Liz Black