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  We had a bit of classic winter rain on our trip today but it did not dampen our spirits or the fun we had with our three grandchildren. Paul, the... read more

    avatar thumb Climber40626023641
    July 11, 2025

  • star rating  Totally amazing awesome family fun day - A beautiful experience for all ages. Fabulous day for the whole family. Paul is awesome and had everyone laughing including kids. Most definitely one of the best days my family... read more

    tralleam
    January 1, 2025

  • 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

  • star rating  This was a great small group adventure, just us and three others. Two carts plus guide Paul in the lead cart. A high emphasis on safety with a practical briefing... read more

    avatar thumb John D
    March 13, 2019

  • star rating  Was a very lovely and enjoyable trip. We were able to stop overnite behind railway station in motor home ready for the next morning.

    Bev H
    June 12, 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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