Attractions

The Timber Trail Cycletrail (From Ongarue, through the Pureora Forest to Pureora) and covers 85 km of cycling pleasure through magnificent native forest, across deep gorges (all bridged), along historic bush tramways and through the Ongarue tunnel and spiral. The majority of the trail is in Pureora Forest Park. There is a halfway point at Piro Piro flats which gives an opportunity for both one-day and two-day cycle rides. To arrange your cycle adventure click on the Epic image below  – but we look forward to having you stay with us.

Alexander Motel provides accommodation near Forgotten World Adventures which runs self-driven Rail Cart tours along the decommissioned railway line of the Forgotten World Highway. Have some fun, learn of a history unique to New Zealand and share a story and experience that belongs to everyone.

Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World has been described as the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. Travel along a decommissioned railway line, through tunnels, over bridges and rivers and to townships that time forgot. Forgotten World Adventures shares a history unique to New Zealand. It’s truly unforgettable.

Choose to travel a segment of the line, or the entire 142 kilometres. RailCart tours depart during the summer months of October through to May. You can depart from three locations,Taumarunui, in the heart of the King Country; Stratford, in the heart of Taranaki and the self proclaimed Republic of Whangamomona.

The Bridge to Nowhere is an easy reach from your accommodation at Alexander Motel, The Bridge to Nowhere provides for a full range of activities from sightseeing to bush and trail-walks, cycling canoeing, kayaking and even jet boating.

The Bridge is located in a scenic setting in Whanganui National Park. It is a concrete road bridge spanning the Mangapurua Stream in Whanganui National Park, North Island, New Zealand. It has no roads leading to it, but it is a popular tourist attraction, accessible by mountain bike or tramping on a variety of different tracks, or by boat or kayak, followed by a 45-minute (one way) walk along maintained bush trails.

Started in January 1935 and completed in June 1936, the bridge is 130 feet long and 125 feet above the stream. The bridge was built to facilitate vehicular access to the Whanganui River, to link the settlers of the valley with the riverboat service. Virgin forest was cleared, and a total of 35 holdings developed. A school was opened, and for some years the valley prospered. However economic hardship, and problems associated with the remoteness and difficulty of access, resulted in many families abandoning their farms. By 1942 there were only 3 families left and the settlement was officially closed in May 1942. The disappearing road line, old fence lines, stands of exotic trees, occasional brick chimneys, and this bridge serve as reminders of the ill-fated settlement of the Mangapurua Valley.

Our accomodation is handy to The Forgotten World Highway or State Highway 43. The highway is an enjoyable and memorable driving journey is 48 kilometers long and runs from Stratford to Taumarunui.

The road is an alternative route to access the National Parks and features untamed native bush, historic settlements, pioneering farms, and ancient Maori trade routes (approximately 3 hours driving time in total). Built on colonial bridle paths formed in the late 19th century, the highway is remote, hugs the contours of the land and takes you back in time to a forgotten world. The highway wriggles its way over four mountain saddles, through an eerie one-lane tunnel and along a sinuous river gorge.

An interesting place along the Forgotten World Highway is Whangamomona, which is a small township 65 kilometers north-east of Stratford and 55 kilometers south-west of Ohura. On 1 November 1989 the local people declared their area the “Republic of Whangamomona” The republic is complete with presidents, however, only one has been human, with a goat appointed as one President, and passports and passport stamps are available as a momento.

The Whangamomona Hotel is an historic hotel  known for its hospitality.

where you can stroll amongst the lavender plantation and wander down to the banks of Whanganui River.

Ngā Huinga (Cherry Grove Domain) in Taumarunui is a popular spot for those travelling the Whanganui River by canoe or kayak. The Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers frame the domain and swimming in both rivers is a popular pastime.

a 15 minute climb through bush on a good track to the lookout. The lookout features a viewing platform with extensive views of Taumarunui and the surrounding valleys.

Whakapapa Ski Area is the closest snowfield which is on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and boasts a massive 550Ha ski terrain and premier learning facility, Happy Valley. Access to Whakapapa Ski Area is from the Bruce Road, a 6km sealed road. 

Mt Ruapehu offers some of the most amazing natural terrain in the country: huge snow filled basins, lift accessed back country, steep chutes, drop-offs and secret powder stashes. Experience both ski areas with just one lift pass. There’s something for everyone: Fantastic learners’ facilities, exceptional terrain, and terrain parks for free-skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

Many people enjoy doing a winter trek of the world-renowned 18.5km Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the Tongariro National Park which  often described as the best one-day trek in New Zealand. It provides you with an opportunity to experience walking and tramping in some of the most scenic and active volcanic areas of the Tongariro National Park such as steaming vents, hot springs, old lava flows, beautiful water-filled explosion craters and stunning views. You can enjoy walking through snow, breathing clean air, getting your heart rate up and viewing or photographing spectacular scenery.

Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or sledging are also enjoyed at Mount Tongariro. People say that the skiing at Mt Tongariro is both interesting and exciting.

Nevalea Alpaca Farn is situated the adventure highway 16kms north of Taumarunui. Leoni eand Neville Walker farm over 700 alpacas together with our sheep and cattle.

Visitors are offered the “Ultimate Alpaca Experience” and have a range of different activities to choose from an opportunity to get up close to the alpacas, hand feed them, pet them to see how soft and cuddly the alpacas are or even take them for a walk. There is a shop on site with great alpaca products available.

Tongariro National Park is a comfortable drive from Alexander Motel. The park offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities to choose such as skiing, snowboarding, tramping and walking, sledging, tobogganing, sightseeing, scenic flights, horse riding etc.

The park is approximately 80,000 hectares in size. Its  most well recognised activity is the ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing’, a one-day trek that traverses the other worldly terrain along the slopes of all three mountains. Steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes make the walk an unforgettable experience.

Tongaririo National Park is an place of extremes: a place of great tranquility, a place to discover, explore and treasure – from colourful herb fields to lush native forest, from clear blue crater lakes to desert-like terrain, from pure snow covered mountains in winter to boulder strewn volcanoes in summer. Emerald lakes, alpine meadows and hot springs surround the largest volcanoes in the North Island, offering an environment of stunning diversity.

The park was gifted to the nation by Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV in 1887. Just over a hundred years later, the park was awarded dual World Heritage Site status.

The three volcanoes of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruho are still technically active volcanoes with Mount Tongariro erupting as recently as August 2012 but today there is a monitoring system to provide an early warning of possible eruptions.

Tongariro National Park is extremely popular with visitors of all inclinations whether it is tramping, walking, cycling or just want to enjoy stunning and unique scenery.

The main activities are hiking and climbing in summer, and skiing and snowboarding in winter at Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro especially. There is also opportunity for hunting, game fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, rafting and scenic flights. Mount Tongariro and its surroundings are one of the several locations where Peter Jackson shot the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy; tours to view these places are commonly arranged by the tour’s operators. Tongariro National Park was home to the most sinister of the Lord of the Rings locations, Mordor, which is the strong hold of the dark Lord Sauron.

The  Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (historically known as Whakapapa Visitor Centre) is located at Whakapapa Village, the main gateway into Tongariro National Park.

The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches – the heart of Whanganui National Park.

The park is located in the central North Island with the township of Taumarunui to the north and Wanganui to the south. The small towns of Pipiriki, Ohinepane, and Whakahoro are main gateways to the river itself.

Roads lead into the park from all directions. Some give access to main track systems, others directly to the river. There are regular bus services to Taumarunui and Wanganui. A number of companies run on demand shuttles to the start of tracks and organise car shuttles for people canoeing the river.

The Whanganui National Park is rich in both Maori and European history. Anchored by the mighty Whanganui River, the area boasts a variety of family friendly and adventure fuelled activities to suit everyone. From hiking the single and multi day walks, to riding back in time on the singularly unique Bridge to Nowhere cycle trail, or ticking a bucket list must-do in a Canoe safari down the Whanganui River on NZ ‘Great Walk’ the Whanganui Journey.

Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips by canoe, kayak or jetboat down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities.

Whanganui National Park is within easy reach from Alexander Spa Motel Lodge.

The river also hosts kayaking and an optional jetboat  return for travellers on the Forgotten Adventures RailCart trip to Whanagamomana.

The Whanganui River is the longest navigable river at  in New Zealand at 290 kilometers and has something for everyone including cyclists, hikers, canoeists and day trippers of all varieties. The river and road are part of Te Araroa (a walk stretching the length of New Zealand) and is one of the NZ’s Great Walks. It is also part of the Mountains To Sea Cycle Trail.

The Whanganui River and Whanganui River Road can be enjoyed and explored in many different ways, by vehicle, bike, jet boat, canoe, kayak, mountain bike or on foot. You may want to explore the area in your own private vehicle or join tours run by local tour operators. A visit to the Whanganui River and the road which winds beside it into the Whanganui National Park is a special and authentic journey for visitors with great scenery, beautiful marae and historical places of interest.