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  Unique - there is nothing else like it.
    Value for money - 3+ hours self drive with afternoon tea.
    Great Guide - Paul made everything safe and fun
    Informative... read more

    avatar thumb gregd47
    May 10, 2025

  • star rating  Paul is amazing he is the owner and nothing better than owner operated his knowledge is outstanding on the area. It is fun and very safe awsome for families with... read more

    avatar thumb Chantal K
    August 25, 2024

  • star rating  We really enjoyed the visit and would do a longer one next time - We had a family visit 4 adults and 1 dog. Got to feed, and to touch a number of the animals. Really enjoyed the chicken run Touching the roosters and other animals

    Dreamer63586993952
    July 7, 2024

  • star rating  We had such a good time. We were in the first class carriage with our two small grandchildren, so didn’t need to worry about driving. Our train driver was... read more

    avatar thumb Global41527234206
    September 13, 2025

  • star rating  Family Fun - Fantastic Rail Cart Adventure!
    Paul is a Great Host, expect the unexpected !
    Kids loved it, we loved it!
    Great family fun we are all smiles 😊🙏🏻👍🏻

    Inspiration725109
    June 14, 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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