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 wonderful, fun experience which I would recommend any visitor to the area to have, the engine driver (Paul) was fun and knowledgeable and made the experience... read more

    avatar thumb 24128357
    January 14, 2026

  • star rating  This was our first visit to Whakatane & it was specifically to go to Awakeri rail adventure. we took our 11 year old grand daughter. the trip was very... read more

    avatar thumb pinklady1963
    March 31, 2019

  • 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  Great family fun, with something for all ages, young or old. An insightful tour guide made the experience much more enjoyable as he provided a small history of the area,... read more

    avatar thumb Tanyon O
    January 3, 2024

  • star rating  The whole experience was amazing. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by staff we felt welcome and they raised the anticipation levels with the entire group with their... read more

    avatar thumb SleepHaveFunRepeat
    February 11, 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

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