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  Rail cart ride - Most interesting trip and brought to life by Paul. Also includes a pretty bush walk. Enjoyed Paul's banter whilst also ensuring health and safety awareness paramount.

    Curiosity34468579091
    January 26, 2025

  • star rating  We had an entertaining few hours as a family outing on the rail trail. With some interesting stories and took plenty of photos. It's a good ride for... read more

    avatar thumb dcwledzep
    December 24, 2024

  • 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  Excellent - We had a great time as a family despite the rain. The carriages are equipped not to get wet, fortunately for us. The ride lasted more than 2 hours (10km... read more

    m0eavat
    March 2, 2023

  • star rating  We loved the whole rail ride experience! Super fun way to spend some quality family time driving on a rail track through a gorgeous landscape setting. Fun stops along the... read more

    avatar thumb arayahscompass
    March 16, 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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