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  On arrival paid $70 each having a discount of $20 each. Were met by a man who attempted to be humorous, but was not. Has a hopeless Health and Safety... read more

    Edgewood48
    February 21, 2020

  • star rating  Absolutely must do in Awakeri  - What an amazing hidden gem in Awakeri!!! I couldn't recommend this journey enough to everyone. We had the absolute pleasure of joining Paul, our guide for an awesome 3hr trip,... read more

    Paula T
    October 4, 2023

  • star rating  A very enjoyable and entertaining trip and about the right length. Tripping along in the cart is a different experience from walking or driving. A short walk in... read more

    avatar thumb William T
    March 27, 2025

  • star rating  Aussie Family has amazing time at Awakeri Rail Adventures - We went with a large extended family. The rail adventure was fantastic. We had children from 2 years to 14 years and they all enjoyed the trip.
    From the... read more

    Breanna B
    August 26, 2025

  • star rating  We booked this for a family of 5 adults and made the booking on the day we wanted to go. They gave us a discount for paying cash and booking... read more

    reneesC637FH
    January 11, 2020

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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