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 did the 2.5 hours Bush walk and snack run. Traveling along the track towards Pekatahi bridge through White Pine bush, we soaked in the natural beauty of our whenua.... read more

    avatar thumb TraceyB2594
    September 6, 2024

  • star rating  It was great ,grandchildren 4 and 7 enjoyed the ride and the bush walk and feeding the birds Paul the owner was funny and very good at explaining things

    avatar thumb Go28737352281
    January 8, 2025

  • star rating  We thoroughly enjoyed our rail adventure and highly recommend it as a fun and unique experience. The scenery was amazing, not to mention Paul's commentary along the way, a... read more

    avatar thumb jenian18
    February 19, 2025

  • star rating  Highly recommended for everyone - A fantastic 2.5hour outing. We thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and Paul's entertaining tales and personal touch. Great fun, lovely scenary and easy to drive rail carts.

    Traveler60993700581
    August 24, 2024

  • star rating  Brilliant - Excellent highly recommend the kids absolutely loved it (10,7,5)
    Really well balanced with laughs, informative and nature.
    Have already recommended to others to go.

    steph82
    May 1, 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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