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  We all had a great time Paul was a fantastic host. Some nice activities along the way, with a bit of local history, some laughs and well timed stops. Good... read more

    avatar thumb Matt6000
    May 18, 2019

  • star rating  Fabulous rail adventure  - This was a fun, well organised, interesting, self drive rail adventure that was good from start to finish. Paul, the guide, was interesting & funny. If you're near, give it... read more

    Heather G
    January 1, 2026

  • star rating  We went on The Awakeri Rail Adventure and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were late arriving, but the owner took it in his stride and still took us. We saw many... read more

    Lorry55
    September 29, 2019

  • star rating  Would highly recommend this tour if you want to do something different. Ben was our tour guide and we were the only ones but they still did the tour due... read more

    avatar thumb Nick-Janine
    December 12, 2025

  • star rating  Unprofessional host & disappointing product - Very disappointed.
    We took friends from overseas and it was an embarrassment. Paul was 'unprofessional' is an understatement.
    I'm sure he's a hoot to have a beer with, but... read more

    Nomad58960784466
    December 17, 2024

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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