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  Excellent!! - The trip was amazing and very entertaining! Especially enjoyed the mid-way toilet stop! Great way to spend the day with the qhole family.

    Freedom05376040125
    December 23, 2024

  • star rating  We visited here two years ago and were delighted to be able to return to have another rail trip. Paul was informative, amusing and caring about everyone’s safety. We all... read more

    avatar thumb Slowworms
    February 5, 2019

  • star rating  This was our second experience on this type of tour, so we knew a bit of what to expect. We loved this one as much as the first one,... read more

    avatar thumb tillyh717
    October 22, 2025

  • star rating  Entertainment for all ages. - Just spent a delightful afternoon completing the bush walk and snack run at Awakeri Rail Adventures. An entertaining and knowledgable host added humour and facts to all the various... read more

    Sewter6
    March 25, 2023

  • star rating  We went on a whim as we had a bit of spare time so no real expectations, it was so much fun though! We were travelling with 2 kids (12... read more

    Lisa W
    October 5, 2019

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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