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.

  • star rating  Entertaining and stunning - Amazing experience! Paul was hilarious and a great tour guide and the scenery was stunning, particularly the bush walk towards the end of the trip, highly recommend for all ages... read more

    familyof4girls
    January 15, 2025
  • star rating  A great outing for everyone, Paul is an entertaining and knowledgeable guide.Fun way to spend a few hours. There are self drive carts, scenery, a short bush walk and a... read more

    avatar thumb PKHAYES842
    April 16, 2025
  • star rating  Highly recommended - My sister and I took a friend who was visiting from Scotland and we had a wonderful time on the Awakeri Rail Adventure. It is a fun and different... read more

    393viviennea
    March 4, 2023
  • star rating  We took our family, who were visiting from overseas, on the Awakeri Rail Tour, and it was a fantastic experience! The staff were incredibly friendly, and the owner was welcoming... read more

    avatar thumb Maps09903797498
    February 24, 2025
  • star rating  An attractive and frelaxing spot with cheap and affordable cabins. Hotpools to soak in. A family spot for all

    avatar thumb Hone T
    March 24, 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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