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  This was a very enjoyable trip for three generations with granddaughter being very much included in all aspects of the journey. Interesting background to the existence of the kahikatea stand... read more

    avatar thumb GrenH3
    April 18, 2019

  • star rating  Fun, enjoyable and refreshing - We enjoyed our experience of travelling through nature as a group but also on our own. Paul helped us feel safe, looked after and entertained. The kids seemed to enjoy... read more

    writeactions
    January 1, 2025

  • star rating  The trip was fine. But I was bullied by everyone else on the tour about my Australian heritage.
    And I don’t even like rugby.

    avatar thumb banana m
    January 1, 2026

  • star rating  Great experience through the countryside with views of horses, sheep cattle and hens, ducks and weka.
    Loved the bush walk with very old kahikatea and nikaus. Billy tea or coffee... read more

    avatar thumb Road21719462366
    June 22, 2025

  • star rating  Don't miss this great experience! - We went as a family, with a 7 year old and a 4 year old. Paul was a great host, lots of laughs and very safe. Beautiful farmland and interesting... read more

    SarahSoren
    July 10, 2024

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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