Forgotten World Adventures' slightly unusual rail carts may bring in more revenue than first expected for Stratford businesses, as demand for trips from Stratford might see more carts departing from Orlando Street.
Currently a two-day package to Okahukura is to start from Stratford, with the other local starting point beingToko. Ohakune businessman Ian Balme has secured a 30-year lease on the railway line between Stratford and Taumarunui, and has five converted golf carts ready to go from October 17.
He told the Stratford Press that this year is seen as a trial period and that packages will be adjusted to suit demand. Stratford tourism operators expecting to benefit from the run-off includes Dave and Carol Digby.
They were the first Stratford people to travel the line on the carts from the Skinner Road crossing to Whangamomona. Carol presented a slideshow of the journey to the Stratford District Council at its ordinary meeting.
She said the purpose was to help put together a safety plan, taking GPS readings of all crossings, bridges, large culverts and tunnels and map ideal evacuation sites.
Forgotten World Adventures has one Republic picnic tour to give away to Stratford Press readers who sign up for their blog by August 1, comment on their comments page and mention Stratford Press.
