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.

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This was my second trip.
I enjoyed my first experience in 2024 with friends so much that I purchased more tickets when Paul was at the Waikato Home & Garden... read more

Yeti D
August 6, 2025
Don't miss this great experience! - We went as a family, with a 7 year old and a 4 year old. Paul was a great host, lots of laughs and very safe. Beautiful farmland and interesting... read more

SarahSoren
July 10, 2024
From the moment we arrived our host and owner of awakeri rail adventures Paul entertained us we had a safety briefing then we were off had some wonderful surprises... read more

SharaM80
June 2, 2019
We booked this for a family of 5 adults and made the booking on the day we wanted to go. They gave us a discount for paying cash and booking... read more

reneesC637FH
January 11, 2020
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

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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