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  Informative, Funny Attraction - Great attraction, great value for money and the kids loved it. Paul brings the attraction together and is a great host. Thanks Paul for an awesome morning 😁

    Marlys G
    January 2, 2025

  • star rating  Great experience and lots of fun - We arrived to be greeted by Paul who we instantly took a liking too. He had a great sense of humor whilst being professional with his instructions and safety briefing.... read more

    GoPlaces51482099033
    October 21, 2024

  • star rating  Fun day activity and a great host. Had a wonderful time enjoying the New Zealand country side and indigenous forests. Kids friendly and worth taking the family for a good... read more

    avatar thumb Pieter v
    April 23, 2025

  • star rating  My second time doing the Awakeri rail adventure and was just as awesome as the first time. My teenage daughter was made co-pilot by Paul (our guide) and had the... read more

    avatar thumb Excursion56868218982
    November 10, 2025

  • star rating  My husband I loved this quirky rail experience.
    I really enjoyed driving - very easy and relaxing, you don't need to steer, so you can enjoy the scenery.
    The local... read more

    avatar thumb DayTrip04161698941
    October 30, 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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