Step aboard the Nile River Rainforest Train and discover one of the South Island’s most spectacular hidden landscapes in the heart of Paparoa National Park. Recreating the bygone era of the bush trams that once operated in the region, this unique journey offers a memorable way to experience the inspiring wilderness of the Nile River Canyon.

The adventure begins at Festival Site Station, located at the entrance to the water-sculptured limestone canyon. After boarding the train, settle in and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the track meanders alongside the Nile River through lush native rainforest and beneath towering limestone formations. Along the way, interpretation brings the landscape to life, sharing stories of pioneers who once worked in the canyon and highlighting several filming locations from the BBC production The Lost World.

The journey continues to Softrock Station, tucked beneath dramatic limestone bluffs deep within the rainforest. Here, you can stretch your legs with a short walk through the forest to the Nile River Suspension Bridge before returning to the train for the scenic ride back. Combining fascinating history, untouched wilderness and access to a remote corner of the West Coast, the Nile River Rainforest Train is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and explorers alike.