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.

  • star rating  Fun thing to do near Awakeri - A great thing to do for a morning in the Bay of Plenty. We were pleased to be able to bring our Jack Russell with us, and were mindful that... read more

    Olsens454
    December 28, 2025
  • star rating  We had an amazing time at Avakiri Rail Adventure! It was so much fun and a fantastic experience. If you’ve never done anything like this before, I highly recommend it.... read more

    avatar thumb CairoJ11
    January 30, 2025
  • star rating  Great time, enjoyed by all of the adults and children in our party of 10. Paul has an easy report with young and old. Fun times driving and sightseeing... read more

    avatar thumb Malkie2
    October 18, 2025
  • star rating  We had a fun and interesting day on the rail trail with Paul. He is a great host and is a fun guy. The bush... read more

    avatar thumb ianwjan
    March 6, 2025
  • star rating  An incredible unique experience - An amazing unique adventure that Paul made all the better with his sense of humour and entertainment!
    The scenic countryside was such a delight with little quirks along the... read more

    Janelle G
    January 4, 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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