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  My wife a I traveled on the Awakeri Rail Adventure on Sunday 17/11/19 . We found our host " Paul" to be very informative and quite entertaining .The trip including... read more

    Escape08526629482
    November 16, 2019

  • star rating  Fabulous rail adventure  - This was a fun, well organised, interesting, self drive rail adventure that was good from start to finish. Paul, the guide, was interesting & funny. If you're near, give it... read more

    Heather G
    January 1, 2026

  • star rating  We visited the Awakeri Rail with our daughter, son-in-law and their 4mth old baby. Surprisingly we all had a great time. The ride caters for all ages and even the... read more

    avatar thumb OdetteR_13
    June 2, 2019

  • star rating  Awakening Rail Advenutre 15 November 2025 - Great fun afternoon out with friends. Paul was full of fun facts and Jokes anplenty. Enjoyable sausage sizzle. Would recommend the outing.

    Jenny K
    November 14, 2025

  • star rating  A genuine Kiwi experience - An interesting and enjoyable rail journey. Paul was a friendly, knowledgable and enthusuastic host and guide. This was a genuine Kiwi experience. The trip took about 3 hours, including the... read more

    Guide48126258664
    November 22, 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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