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  As we were driving from Rotorua to coast for day trip on holidays from NSW Australia, we stumbled upon this wonderful opportunity. Did the full trip. Was full... read more

    avatar thumb Kate H
    June 7, 2019

  • star rating  We did this as an afternoon activity and had a great time. You get to enjoy the country side and learn about the rail and area along the stops on... read more

    avatar thumb 481francesi
    March 12, 2019

  • star rating  A delightful Kiwi experience - Highly recommend! - Highly recommend this delightful, fun, quirky activity - and great for the family too! Whereas other railtrails we have done, comprise only of a trip, Paul was hands on... read more

    Susan_from_Auckland
    April 15, 2025

  • star rating  Great morning out with 5 of my young grandchildren. Paul was a good host and the kids thought his stories and jokes were fantastic. Thanks for the entertainment and the tour.

    avatar thumb stugailrobb
    June 22, 2025

  • star rating  We booked last minute and Paul (owner) was happy to oblige.
    We shared the rail with one other group as well as Paul.
    Be aware that it's self-drive, but it's... read more

    avatar thumb Curious20668135712
    August 26, 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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