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  Fantastic trip with 4 young grandchildren. We did the “Chicken Run” and Paul made it so much fun for the kids. Highly recommend, and look forward to doing a longer... read more

    avatar thumb Paula A
    January 28, 2025
  • star rating  Great experience with a humorous operator - We were a bit unlucky with the weather, but this was compensated on the one hand by the fact that we were alone with Paul, the operator, and on the... read more

    gewinnix
    January 30, 2023
  • star rating  Today, we had a wonderful afternoon at the Chicken Run with my two boys and friends.
    Paul was exceptional in engaging with the children, making the experience both interactive... read more

    avatar thumb Stephanie O
    March 5, 2025
  • star rating  Went on a sunny winters day. An enjoyable experience throughout the journey. The bush visit was great, as was the tea at a bush camp. Paul was knowledgeable... read more

    avatar thumb tracypX2938TW
    June 21, 2025
  • star rating  Amazing. Paul is a fantastic guide. We all had a fantastic trip and my boys loved being able to ride with Paul as a co-pilot. Filled with great info and... read more

    avatar thumb sarah l
    December 28, 2023

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