1 / 3Rotorua RailCruising
📍 Ngongotahā, Bay of Plenty
Best for train-mad kids and families after a slow, sit-down outing. Four-seat rail cars drive themselves along a disused line between Ngongotahā and Mamaku, with audio commentary, blankets and a cafe stop, around two hours return.
A fun unique experience in a comfortable 4 seater rail car. The track has historical history and fortunately is in good shape for the 2 hour round trip. Interesting narration along the way as you encounter swallows, pigeons, doves, & quail...along with red deer herds, sheep and cattle. The variety of plants include many native. We have been traveling in NZ for nearly 3 weeks and this ride had the largest variety of bird species yet. It is near the Redwood Forest. The stop half way was in the building seen in Yogi Bears movie! Definitely take time to "ride the rails". Staff were very helpful and explained everything. The cars have automatic speed adjustments so you have time to look around. Gorgeous scenery!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Worth it for a preschooler who adores trains and a family happy to sit back for two hours; less so for kids who need action or anyone expecting big views, since much of the line runs through bush and farmland. It is not cheap for what it is. Pick a fine day, pack snacks and something to do, and keep expectations at gentle rather than thrilling.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →161 Google reviews
Kathy T
“A fun unique experience in a comfortable 4 seater rail car. The track has historical history and fortunately is in good shape for the 2 hour round trip. Interesting narration along the way as you encounter swallows, pigeons, doves, & quail...along with red deer herds, sheep and cattle. The variety of plants include many native. We have been traveling in NZ for nearly 3 weeks and this ride had the largest variety of bird species yet. It is near the Redwood Forest. The stop half way was in the building seen in Yogi Bears movie! Definitely take time to "ride the rails". Staff were very helpful and explained everything. The cars have automatic speed adjustments so you have time to look around. Gorgeous scenery!”
Yolande Wassenberg
“We did the return trip and it was fun.It is original,interesting,because of the provided information inside the car over the speakers and the track goes through some pretty interesting scenery. The car is comfortable and it is a great,relaxing thing to do on a hot day ,like we did.And kids will love it too,a car that goes by itself is the kind of magical and futuristic experience that they will like.It is something unique and worth doing.”
Laylani Kinghazel
“Absolutely winning adventure, great views , audio recording was informative , fabulous service the blankets are included which was super groovy and the coffee at the Ranger's Cabin from the Yogi Bear movie topped it off 🥰”
Reviews from Google
Overview
RailCruising runs small petrol-electric rail cars along the old Rotorua branch line between Ngongotahā and Mamaku. Each car seats four (or two adults and three children), keeps to a steady 20 kilometres an hour on its own, and has drop-down waterproof sides and blankets, with a recorded commentary on the line's history. The return trip takes around two hours, with a halfway stop at the Ranger's Cabin cafe, a building used in the Yogi Bear film. The route runs through bush and farmland.
