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  A fun and no stress activity to end our holiday. The tweens (ever hard to please) enjoyed it which says alot. Informative bush walk, fun ride, great health and... read more

    MedKitOwner
    January 24, 2020
  • star rating  Had a group of 12, 12 year olds. The students had all positives about the experience. Paul the host was 'kid' friendly, very professional with a great sense... read more

    avatar thumb Dudley A
    November 9, 2024
  • star rating  My second time doing the Awakeri rail adventure and was just as awesome as the first time. My teenage daughter was made co-pilot by Paul (our guide) and had the... read more

    avatar thumb Excursion56868218982
    November 10, 2025
  • star rating  Would highly recommend this tour if you want to do something different. Ben was our tour guide and we were the only ones but they still did the tour due... read more

    avatar thumb Nick-Janine
    December 12, 2025
  • star rating  A great family activity! - We did the chicken run with our nearly 2 year old. It was a great family experience, perfect for little kids! Paul was so friendly and stopped so we could... read more

    zhendra19
    March 21, 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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