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  Fantastic Experience and fun  - What a fun time. Went with two older kids and what a laugh. Great way to spend time together. Paul was full of fun, full of know and made the... read more

    Margi C
    January 2, 2024

  • star rating  Great New Zealand Scenery and Experience - Was a great experience, a lot better for our teenager than he thought it would be. Great stops along the way, very interactive.

    Louise L
    January 22, 2025

  • star rating  A great educational, fun and entertaining experience. Paul, the host, was very nice, and shared a lot of interesting information. The snacks at the end were delicious, and the golf... read more

    avatar thumb Hawkes_Bay_Express
    October 4, 2024

  • star rating  We did the railcart trip including the gentle bush walk. Was fabulous with a few surprises along the way. Paul is made for the job with... read more

    avatar thumb 433carolyn
    March 16, 2019

  • star rating  Highly recommended for everyone - A fantastic 2.5hour outing. We thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and Paul's entertaining tales and personal touch. Great fun, lovely scenary and easy to drive rail carts.

    Traveler60993700581
    August 24, 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

Book Now