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  My husband I loved this quirky rail experience.
    I really enjoyed driving - very easy and relaxing, you don't need to steer, so you can enjoy the scenery.
    The local... read more

    avatar thumb DayTrip04161698941
    October 30, 2025

  • star rating  Flipping awesome!  - Absolutely brilliant, thoroughly recommend it.. Loved the bush walk, just stunning. The whole family had a great time. Paul is very entertaining, and friendly and made the trip easy and... read more

    Debbie N
    December 17, 2023

  • star rating  Fabulous family twilight adventure, we are a family of 5, with kids between 4-11 and each one of them had a great time. Paul our conductor, what an amazing... read more

    avatar thumb Candice H
    December 28, 2024

  • star rating  Good family fun on the rail! - Pretty cool travelling along in your own train cart, over bridges, roads and through a couple of tunnels. Cool stops in the way, and loved the cuppa from boiling... read more

    Voyage46927517951
    January 27, 2025

  • star rating  A Rail-ly Awesome Time - Fantastic outing for the family. So much to see along the ride and so fun to drive a little rail car. Host is fantastic, great with kids.

    Sherpa22085054391
    January 11, 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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