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  Good times - We had an amazing time, super friendly staff, great views and fun activites, would definitely recommend for the whole family

    Pioneer05178636005
    July 5, 2025

  • star rating  Family Fun - Fantastic Rail Cart Adventure!
    Paul is a Great Host, expect the unexpected !
    Kids loved it, we loved it!
    Great family fun we are all smiles 😊🙏🏻👍🏻

    Inspiration725109
    June 14, 2024

  • star rating  A Memorable Experience - Really fun and interesting trip, would definitely recommend to others. Especially thankful for the teams brilliant assistance when I discovered I had 'mislaid' my car keys at the end... read more

    Jet53697511628
    January 8, 2025

  • star rating  Small train journeys in heartland New Zealand - The train was unique - whereby we had simple instructions to operate the individual carriages - and then ‘drive’ the car/train independently. It was such fun! Especially when we went... read more

    Pnolover
    June 30, 2024

  • star rating  Zipping through the country side on our little cart was great. Because we were driving ourselves it was made even better. Still in a group but independent. It was safe,... read more

    avatar thumb Mirandathelaurich
    February 26, 2019

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