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  A great experience (especially for those with younger family!). Paul was extremely informative and clearly very passionate about what he was doing. His enthusiasm rubbed off on all of us!

    avatar thumb TrekingLouise
    January 31, 2019

  • star rating  The whole experience was amazing. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by staff we felt welcome and they raised the anticipation levels with the entire group with their... read more

    avatar thumb SleepHaveFunRepeat
    February 11, 2023

  • 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

  • star rating  Great day out with family - Paul was a fabulous host.
    The trip along the train tracks was fantastic.
    The quirkiness of the 'models' along the way and the signage made for some good laughs.
    ... read more

    MermaidNZ64
    January 26, 2025

  • star rating  Great afternoon of fun...
    We got to ride on the rails, bush walk, see the gum boot fence.
    We even fed the chooks not to mention the great scenery... read more

    avatar thumb Janice W
    February 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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