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  Thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon on the rail adventure, stopping along the rail at different points of interest, Paul was very informative,his witty comments make it a fun trip.We particularly liked... read more

    avatar thumb Doug O
    February 11, 2019

  • star rating  FANTASTIC TRIP THANK YOU PAUL. PAUL IS AMAZING AND MAKES IT AN ADVENTURE. AMAZING SCENERY AND SUCH A COOL EXPERIENCE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN... read more

    avatar thumb Kim G
    July 25, 2025

  • star rating  It was an amazing experience. Very near the rolling mountains. It was an on the spot schedule and we were very lucky to be accomodated. I really appreciate the... read more

    avatar thumb Herschel charis... R
    October 5, 2025

  • star rating  We did this as an afternoon activity and had a great time. You get to enjoy the country side and learn about the rail and area along the stops on... read more

    avatar thumb 481francesi
    March 12, 2019

  • star rating  Great afternoon with great people. Paul the host made it a great trip. A lot knowledge about the area. Meeting the other people on the tour... read more

    avatar thumb ekim60286
    February 14, 2019

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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