Hundreds of visitors, many from all over the world have enjoyed the experience!

Welcome to Awakeri Rail Adventures in Whakatane. Travel along a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a rail-cart, cleverly adapted to be self-driven along the rail tracks. Our rail cars are FULL self drive – you are in complete control of your rail vehicle – you may stop any where you wish to take photographs (or pick up your hat).

Your adventure starts from Awakeri traveling at a leisurely 25 kilometeres per hour with family and friends along a piece of historic railway line. There are 4 bridges, numerous cuttings and bush scenes along the track.

Tours Contact Us

  • star rating  Great journey by rail to this historic spot. - We had a very entertaining, informative and enjoyable trip on this rail adventure. The walk through the bush was very welcome in the heat and great to see the native... read more

    Paradise12252803309
    January 7, 2026

  • star rating  Fabulous family twilight adventure, we are a family of 5, with kids between 4-11 and each one of them had a great time. Paul our conductor, what an amazing... read more

    avatar thumb Candice H
    December 28, 2024

  • star rating  This was my third visit and each time has been great. Entertainment 100%. Great information, beautiful environment and overall fun time!

    avatar thumb Frances F
    July 1, 2025

  • star rating  Stunning scenery and a friendly local business. - Wow, what a trip! The scenery was absolutely stunning. The guide was hilarious and shared a lot of his local knowledge. We had our young son with us and he... read more

    Jordan O
    December 23, 2024

  • star rating  A fabulous afternoon - A fantastic, relaxed afternoon of beautiful scenery and fun. Paul is an awesome host. I highly recommend this for any age group.

    EnjoysComfort69
    September 17, 2023

Travel along a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail history and experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of our rail-cart

Awakeri Rail Adventures offers three types of trips.

The first and most popular trip is the Bush walk and snack run 9am-12:30pm & 1pm-4.30pm. It covers 20 km of track and includes a guided short bush walk, a stop for a relaxing track-side snack and hot drink, as well as the opportunity to feed the chickens, ducks, and geese. This trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours and departs twice daily.

THE TWILIGHT TRAIN IS AN EVENING TRIP OPERATING IN THE SUMMER MONTHS ONLY, FOR VISITORS WHO HAVE OTHER ACTIVITIES EARLIER IN THE DAY. A FANTASTIC TRIP ON A SUMMERS EVENING. IT STARTS AT 5.30 PM AND CONCLUDES AT ABOUT 9PM .   (IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL  CHILDREN.) FARES ARE THE SAME AS THE BUSH WALK AND SNACK RUN.

The third trip is the “Chicken Run.” Covering 10 km of track, it’s ideal for kids under 5 years old. Along the way, feed the chickens, explore an old railway hut, and meet “Pushy,” the 75-year-old bulldozer.

CHICKEN RUN & TWILIGHT TRAIN  ARE BY ARRANGEMENT ONLY BY CALLING – 08005374724
OTHER TRIPS CAN BE BOOKED ON LINE (OR CALL US)  

Conveniently located just down the road from Awakeri Hot Springs

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