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  Our railway tour. - The knowledge of our guide Paul on our bush walk. His stories about the fauna, also the history of the railway.

    68darrylm
    August 21, 2023

  • star rating  Surprisingly awesome. - A fantastic experience. We were invited to go on a family trip, and honestly wasn’t too sure, but was really pleasantly surprised. Paul the operator is constantly amusing.... read more

    Departure51463462214
    July 20, 2024

  • star rating  Wonderful family adventure! - We had an amazing time! Paul was great and we had a lot of laughs. The kids say if they could give 6 stars they would! Thank you for a... read more

    chloe k
    October 20, 2025

  • star rating  Thoroughly recommend going on this wee adventure, beautiful scenery, a cool bush walk and great fun cruising in the cart on the railway tracks. Cup of tea/coffee & biscuits... read more

    avatar thumb Excursion20297991461
    May 23, 2025

  • star rating  Enjoyable Autumn Adventure  - Paul was extremely helpful as we had lost our voucher for our trip that we'd purchased from the Napier very show, and he found the proof of purchase and honored... read more

    Wander68175293708
    April 28, 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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