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  Awakeri Training Day - Rainy day but Paul made it enjoyable..can see the effort Paul has gone to allow people to catch a glimpse of the history of a bygone rail era.

    Jet39685054068
    May 21, 2024

  • 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  Great time. - Great trip, thoroughly recommended as a great experience. Loved the bush walk and the hidden surprise in the ladies loo.
    Paul is an experienced host with a fund of jokes.... read more

    Departure55498019341
    January 1, 2026

  • star rating  The trip was fine. But I was bullied by everyone else on the tour about my Australian heritage.
    And I don’t even like rugby.

    avatar thumb banana m
    January 1, 2026

  • star rating  Heaps of fun with extended family. Great host. Lots of safety focus. Not at all scary. Just fun, recommend for all age groups.

    avatar thumb Anthony M
    December 29, 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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