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  What a awesome day out. All five of us, 2 adults and x3 kids, had a blast. Paul was super funny with lots of knowledge. Loved the stops and the... read more

    avatar thumb Excursion12169870362
    November 23, 2024

  • star rating  Definitely recommend this attraction to families, couples and individuals young and old. They offers three different adventures on a disused section of railway between Awakeri and Taneatua. Paul the... read more

    avatar thumb Happydaz01
    January 28, 2019

  • star rating  Great afternoon of fun...
    We got to ride on the rails, bush walk, see the gum boot fence.
    We even fed the chooks not to mention the great scenery... read more

    avatar thumb Janice W
    February 16, 2025

  • star rating  Bush walk and chicken run adventures - Loved it.. the guide was humorous, had good knowledge of the area and the bush we visited.

    Was thoughtful .. our son was allowed to sit beside him... read more

    Raine222
    January 27, 2025

  • star rating  Unique - there is nothing else like it.
    Value for money - 3+ hours self drive with afternoon tea.
    Great Guide - Paul made everything safe and fun
    Informative... read more

    avatar thumb gregd47
    May 10, 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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