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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Family of 5 ages 13 to 57, absolutely loved it. Highly recommend without a doubt. Paul is an excellent host and made the day a very memorable experience.

Passenger36929819851
December 18, 2024
From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave the guide will keep you and the kids entertained. Awakeri rail is an activity for all ages and all strengths... read more

regalvanston1979
October 9, 2019
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
Thank you so much Paul for your hospitality and educating us today with the amazing trail adventure.
Our mokopuna and us big kids absolutely enjoyed every moment.
Alan wants... read more

Julz B
November 29, 2024
Absolutely fabulous, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. took my grandchild for his 6th birthday, what an amazing outing. The host made our experience so much better even provided a cake during one of... read more our stops.

Al D
June 7, 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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