A new way for tourists to see the forgotten world

The visitor industry in the central North Island is set to surge once again with the introduction of the country's first tandem RailBike experience.

Operating along what is arguably known as New Zealand's most scenic decommissioned railway; Forgotten World Adventures has added the RailBike product to its list of seasonal rail-based adventures using converted golf carts, also known as RailCarts.

Waikato Farmer and Forgotten World Adventures founder and managing director Ian Balme says the introduction of the RailBike is a timely step for a business that has seen exponential growth since it was launched in 2012.

This season we've provided over 6,000 clients with an outstanding experience through the historic Forgotten World and I am thrilled that we're now in a position to build on our existing range of tours by introducing what will undoubtedly become a must-do Kiwi adventure for groups of up to ten people.

Forgotten World Adventures founder and managing director Ian Balme

Made in New Zealand, the RailBikes, which travel at an average speed of around 16km/h, feature two comfortable side by side seats, four composite plastic wheels with suspension along with independent pedalling, gearing and disc braking.

"In October, visitors with varying levels of ability, can begin a six hour RailBike adventure between Tokirima and New Zealand's only self-proclaimed republic, Whangamomona before cycling over bridges and through the hand-dug tunnels in the isolated and unspoilt wilderness of the Tangarakau Scenic Reserve," says Ian.

Forgotten World Adventures in 2012 secured a 30-year lease with KiwiRail to operate semi-guided tours along the 140km SOL Railway between Okahukura and Stratford and have since that time hosted over 13,000 domestic and international visitors and achieved a 5-star trip advisor rating. With a range of seven tours, clients can choose a half day excursion through to a four-day 'EPIC' adventure.