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  Great fun (even in the rain) - Went during awful weather and still had the most enjoyable time whilst managing to stay dry. Paul was a great host and we definitely look forward to doing this... read more

    Onourown
    January 11, 2023

  • star rating  This "adventure" is one-in-a-life time...an absolute must for New Zealanders and visitors. Bring a camera, your family and friends and a huge dose of humor. Your guide, mechanic, cook, chef... read more

    avatar thumb Barb M
    January 10, 2025

  • star rating  We were pleasantly surprised on our 'chill out', Saturday morning trip where we were the party crashers on a large family birthday tour. Whilst Paul (the owner/operator loves what he... read more

    avatar thumb OnAir12067008570
    August 17, 2024

  • star rating  We purchased the full experience which included stopping and feeding the chickens, the bush walk in White Pine bush, and afternoon tea. Absolutely brilliant fun with Paul and his... read more

    907selinah
    January 11, 2020

  • star rating  Great little train trip around - The scenery and each stop on the rail ride was brilliant. The guide was a hoot. Nice short trip of a couple hours and you learn some... read more

    jakspak
    January 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

Book Now