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  My husband and I absolutely loved this rail experience. Paul was an awesome guide who was very knowledgeable on the Awakeri area, bush and pest trapping and his sense of... read more

    fluteytootie
    January 2, 2020

  • star rating  Small train journeys in heartland New Zealand - The train was unique - whereby we had simple instructions to operate the individual carriages - and then ‘drive’ the car/train independently. It was such fun! Especially when we went... read more

    Pnolover
    June 30, 2024

  • star rating  An enjoyable ride with local and railway history included. - We had a great time with Paul leading us on the railway. Our first time driving golf carts, very easy to do. Paul gave us clear instructions and was knowledgeable... read more

    Trail41741516376
    May 16, 2024

  • star rating  What a awesome day out. All five of us, 2 adults and x3 kids, had a blast. Paul was super funny with lots of knowledge. Loved the stops and the... read more

    avatar thumb Excursion12169870362
    November 23, 2024

  • star rating  This was honestly amazing fed the chickens our host Paul was kind and funny he was a great dude coffee tea and Milo was included highly recommended and I named... read more

    avatar thumb Ryan Q
    December 21, 2025

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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