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  We had an amazing time at Avakiri Rail Adventure! It was so much fun and a fantastic experience. If you’ve never done anything like this before, I highly recommend it.... read more

    avatar thumb CairoJ11
    January 30, 2025

  • star rating  Our grandchildren and selves enjoyed an awesome morning on the golf cart. Our granddaughter especially liked the stop at the chickens and I liked the bush walk. It was all... read more

    LindaN2747
    July 10, 2019

  • star rating  Great family fun! We did the chicken run which was perfect for our young family.
    Paul is a great conductor who brings a quirky fun sense of humor to the... read more

    avatar thumb Traveler55358501067
    July 2, 2025

  • star rating  A Must Do Experience! - We had a FANTASTIC time at the Awakeri Railway! Myself and 3 others (including our elderly grandma) were all super impressed by the sense of humour & knowledge of our... read more

    Rachel P
    March 13, 2023

  • star rating  A genuine Kiwi experience - An interesting and enjoyable rail journey. Paul was a friendly, knowledgable and enthusuastic host and guide. This was a genuine Kiwi experience. The trip took about 3 hours, including the... read more

    Guide48126258664
    November 22, 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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