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  The trip was awesome and took much longer than we thought. The excursions into the jungle and the geese feeding activities were fantastic. Paul is a great host and has... read more

    avatar thumb Cruiser36003242607
    January 7, 2025

  • star rating  My 8th consecutive year trip with my son (and friends and family over the years). Another great trip and a little wet weather didn’t distract from the journey. I... read more

    avatar thumb Darren R
    February 11, 2025

  • star rating  We loved the whole rail ride experience! Super fun way to spend some quality family time driving on a rail track through a gorgeous landscape setting. Fun stops along the... read more

    avatar thumb arayahscompass
    March 16, 2025

  • star rating  Something different - Good fun, something different we wouldn't typically do but it was a gift. Interesting to learn about the history of the area, particularly about transport. Some beautiful countryside views too

    Vinny R
    April 13, 2025

  • star rating  A Great Day Out - Paul and the team ran a great day. We did the long trip and it was sooo worth it. His safety briefing was great, enough to give us the information... read more

    Tourist32878314232
    November 10, 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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